The Orlando Magic concluded their 2024-25 regular season at .500 with a 41-41 record, securing the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed after defeating Atlanta in the play-in tournament.
However, their playoff run exposed critical weaknesses when they managed just one victory against the Boston Celtics across five games.
Orlando’s offensive limitations became painfully apparent against elite competition.
The front office moved aggressively to address this gap, completing a blockbuster trade Sunday that brought 26-year-old sharpshooter Desmond Bane from Memphis.
Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the massive deal during “First Take,” expressing reservations about the steep price Orlando paid.
“I’m just reticent about four unprotected first-round picks. That’s my only issue with this. I’m worried about that. That’s a bit much to me. If you’re making a deal like that, you’re saying, ‘This move puts us in championship contention.’ And I don’t know if it does that,” Smith said.
.@stephenasmith loves Desmond Bane’s game, but he’s concerned with how much the Magic gave up 😯
“If you’re making a deal like that, you’re saying ‘this move puts us in championship contention,’ and I don’t know if it does that.” pic.twitter.com/b6Z0UdNRV7
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 16, 2025
The Magic surrendered significant assets to acquire Bane, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round selections spanning 2025 through 2030, and a 2029 pick swap.
The centerpiece remains the 2025 lottery pick originally belonging to Phoenix.
Smith’s concern centers on whether this transaction genuinely elevates Orlando into title contention.
While Bane averaged 18 points per game with exceptional three-point accuracy and projects as an ideal complement to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, he has never earned All-Star recognition.
The ESPN analyst acknowledges Orlando’s upward trajectory and respects their roster construction, but questions mortgaging substantial future flexibility for a player outside the superstar tier.
Unlike acquiring talents comparable to Kevin Durant or Luka Doncic, this move represents a significant gamble on incremental improvement rather than transformative impact.
NEXT: Bill Simmons Sounds Off On Fans Saying Magic Overpaid For Desmond Bane
