Stephen A. Smith Concerned Over Orlando Magic’s Blockbuster Trade for Desmond Bane, Involving Four First-Round Picks [Video]

A shocking NBA trade went down yesterday as the Orlando Magic acquired Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Desmond Bane. In return, the Magic sent point guard Cole Anthony and shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Memphis, along with four first-round picks—including this year’s 16th overall pick and a 2029 pick swap.

Video

It’s a bold move that many see as a necessary gamble for the Magic, especially with Jayson Tatum’s injury and Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly wanting out of Milwaukee. With the Eastern Conference wide open, Orlando is clearly trying to capitalize.

Bane, who entered the league out of TCU, was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 30th pick in 2020 before being traded to Memphis. Since then, his two-way ability and consistency have made him a steady presence for the Grizzlies. He has averaged 19 points and five assists per game, shooting 48% from the field and 38% from three-point range—a major upgrade over Caldwell-Pope.

The Magic have a talented young core and are hoping this move pushes them into championship contention. However, not everyone is convinced.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith voiced concerns Monday morning on “First Take.”

“He’s [Bane] never been an All-Star,” Smith said. “I’m trying to figure out how he and Mikal Bridges—you know, you give four unprotected first-round picks for these guys, and I mean, that’s a lot. This is not Kevin Durant. This is not LeBron. This is not Steph Curry. To give up four picks unprotected is a concern for me.”

Still, Smith acknowledged Bane addresses a major flaw in Orlando’s roster. The Magic had the worst three-point shooting percentage in the league last season—the worst since the 2015 Los Angeles Lakers. Bane’s arrival immediately improves that area and could shift the Magic’s offensive ceiling dramatically.

Take a look at the video of Smith below on “First Take.”

.@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