The Orlando Magic concluded their 2024-25 common season at .500 with a 41-41 file, securing the Jap Convention’s seventh seed after defeating Atlanta within the play-in match.
Nonetheless, their playoff run uncovered vital weaknesses once they managed only one victory in opposition to the Boston Celtics throughout 5 video games.
Orlando’s offensive limitations turned painfully obvious in opposition to elite competitors.
The entrance workplace moved aggressively to deal with this hole, finishing a blockbuster commerce Sunday that introduced 26-year-old sharpshooter Desmond Bane from Memphis.
Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the huge deal throughout “First Take,” expressing reservations concerning the steep value Orlando paid.
“I’m simply reticent about 4 unprotected first-round picks. That’s my solely difficulty with this. I’m apprehensive about that. That’s a bit a lot to me. In case you’re making a deal like that, you’re saying, ‘This transfer places us in championship rivalry.’ And I don’t know if it does that,” Smith stated.
.@stephenasmith loves Desmond Bane’s sport, however he is involved with how a lot the Magic gave up 😯
“In case you’re making a deal like that, you are saying ‘this transfer places us in championship rivalry,’ and I do not know if it does that.” pic.twitter.com/b6Z0UdNRV7
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 16, 2025
The Magic surrendered vital property to accumulate Bane, together with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, 4 unprotected first-round alternatives spanning 2025 by way of 2030, and a 2029 decide swap.
The centerpiece stays the 2025 lottery decide initially belonging to Phoenix.
Smith’s concern facilities on whether or not this transaction genuinely elevates Orlando into title rivalry.
Whereas Bane averaged 18 factors per sport with distinctive three-point accuracy and tasks as an excellent complement to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, he has by no means earned All-Star recognition.
The ESPN analyst acknowledges Orlando’s upward trajectory and respects their roster development, however questions mortgaging substantial future flexibility for a participant outdoors the celebrity tier.
Not like buying skills corresponding to Kevin Durant or Luka Doncic, this transfer represents a major gamble on incremental enchancment somewhat than transformative impression.
NEXT: Invoice Simmons Sounds Off On Followers Saying Magic Overpaid For Desmond Bane