Basketball world champion Moritz Wagner has signed a two-year contract worth roughly 18.5 million dollars with the Brooklyn Nets, marking a significant relocation from Florida to New York ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
The Move to Brooklyn and New York Roots
Wagner leaves behind the Orlando Magic and the home he previously shared with his younger brother and former teammate, Franz Wagner. The 29-year-old forward is already well-acquainted with his new surroundings, having spent considerable time in the city with his girlfriend, Maggie, during offseasons and breaks from Orlando. “I have always loved New York,” Wagner stated in his podcast Kannst du so nicht sagen, noting that Brooklyn closely resembles his hometown of Berlin. Following a phone call where both agreed to the transaction, Wagner described an emotional reaction from the couple, mentioning that they both cried upon finalizing the decision.
Wagner Brings Veteran Experience to Rebuilding Nets Roster
The two-year agreement commits Wagner to a youthful Brooklyn Nets roster aiming for competitive progress following several rebuilding seasons. The veteran center brings crucial experience to the franchise after returning to the floor last season following an absence of over a year due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Parting Ways with Orlando Magic
The transfer concludes a five-year stretch where Moritz and Franz Wagner played side-by-side with the Orlando Magic. While Franz Wagner remains with Orlando in Florida, roughly 1,500 kilometers away from his older brother’s new base, Moritz Wagner noted that his sibling expressed happiness for his new opportunity while acknowledging the difficulty of ending their joint tenure as teammates.
Upcoming Conference Schedule
The brothers will find themselves on opposing sides of the same conference when the NBA regular season tips off. The schedule sets up their first direct on-court meeting in the night leading into November 21. Wagner admitted he has not yet dwelled on the prospect of playing directly against his brother in an official league fixture, remarking that they have never faced each other in a competitive professional game before.
