The German big man ends a six-season tenure with the Orlando Magic, securing a $19 million deal to bolster Brooklyn’s frontcourt depth and bring veteran grit to the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets.
Following the Nikola Vucevic reunion news, the Orlando Magic face a critical departure. First reported by ESPN insider Shams Charania, free agent center Moritz Wagner has agreed to a two-year, $19 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets. The deal includes a mutual option for the 2027-28 season, which allows either side to opt in, while keeping the door open to discuss a new contract for next summer.
Wagner spent the last six seasons with the Magic – five alongside rising star and brother Franz Wagner. The eight-year veteran is coming off an up-and-down season: 6.9 points on 42.6 percent shooting and 3.2 rebounds in 36 games. He was unavailable to start the season – recovering from a torn ACL injury.
Once Wagner was cleared, the Magic already had two established centers ahead of him: Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze. Despite having opportunities on the court to climb the depth chart, the 29-year-old didn’t appear to be himself yet.
In the 2024-25 season, Wagner was emerging as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate until the injury occurred in late December. He averaged a career-high 12.9 points on 56.2 percent shooting, along with 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists.
Wagner joins a Nets organization looking to rebuild back to an Eastern Conference contender. Team General Manager Sean Marks and the front office brought in several veterans early in the offseason, including All-Star forward Julius Randle as part of a three-team trade, re-signing Day’Ron Sharpe and Josh Minott, and signing free agent Keon Ellis to a two-year, $18 million contract. The Nets were one of a few franchises that didn’t have to worry about crossing the first-apron threshold, which allowed them to make several transactions.
The incoming German center delivers intensity, physicality, and floor spacing. Before the ACL injury, Wagner shot 36 percent from behind the arc in the 2024-25 season. Signing with the Nets allows him to start fresh and play basketball without any pressure. The franchise isn’t viewed as an Eastern Conference contender.
However, the league always finds a way to leave fans shocked.
Wagner isn’t a center who can handle the ball, but finds ways to be impactful – even with limited touches. He will be a reliable backup option. Along with the on-court intangibles, Wagner brings playoff experience to Brooklyn.
Although the departure leaves a void in the Magic’s center depth, it’s a remarkable acquisition for another Eastern Conference franchise.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
