When the Orlando Magic pulled off the NBA’s biggest deal of the summer, yet, they sent four first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, and two guards to the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane. As expected, fans and pundits alike were left stunned.
Almost a week after the trade, in an appearance on the All The Smoke podcast, Hall-of-Famer Paul Pierce made some bold predictions, telling NBA legend Kevin Garnett that Bane and the Orlando Magic will become a “top-three” team in the Eastern Conference in the 2025-26 season.
Paul Pierce Proclaims Magic Will Be Top-3 Team in the East With Desmond Bane
Last week, the Orlando Magic acquired Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies by sending Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony. The package included Orlando’s 2025 No. 16 pick, its 2026 first-round selection, its 2028 and 2030 first-rounders, and a top-two-protected swap in 2029.
Memphis’ motives were clear, and they probably wanted some roster changes after a disappointing season that saw them exit in the first round of the playoffs. Orlando’s ambition was equally transparent. In Bane, the Magic gain a secondary scorer capable of playmaking (3.8 career assists), and a defender whose length and speed fit coach Jamahl Mosley’s pressing scheme.
On Friday, Pierce said on the All The Smoke podcast, “They’re gonna be a top-three team in the East next year. They were the No. 7 seed this year, right? And they gave Boston some issues. Paolo [Banchero] is unstoppable. Orlando wants smoke next year with whoever. I’m telling you right now … Orlando sees the window of opportunity right now.”
Paul envisions a bright future for the Magic next season 👀🔮
How much does acquiring Desmond Bane improve Orlando for next year? pic.twitter.com/eX2qXcimL8
— All the Smoke (@allthesmokeprod) June 20, 2025
Meanwhile, Timberwolves legend Garnett quipped that Boston was “bored” in the series and argued that Orlando brought in Bane to solve their roster flaw.
“Stop. Stop. Stop. They gave what?” Garnett countered. “Four to one is a problem? Boston was bored … Orlando went and got him [Bane] because they was having problems with outside shooting, and the reason they brought KCP in there was because of that. He had a high rate coming from Denver, had a three-ball, had a clip.”
Desmond Bane Speaks About His Goals With the Orlando Magic
Speaking to Sports Illustrated roughly one week into his Orlando tenure, Bane distilled his mindset into a simple mantra. “It’s time to win, you know? I mean, that’s pretty much simple as that,” Bane said.
“If we do what we’re supposed to do, those not to say the picks were invaluable… We got a lot of young talent here already in the building, and we have a lot of talent at the top of the roster,” the former Grizzlie said. “So I think it was a perfect time for the organization to do what they did.”
We have acquired guard-forward Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guard Cole Anthony, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and multiple future first round draft picks. pic.twitter.com/IL1Bg4xViB
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 15, 2025
The statement signals Bane’s readiness to join forces with Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr. to pursue a deeper playoff run next season. A lineup featuring Bane flanked by Orlando’s stars could rank among the league’s most efficient offenses. If the chemistry clicks, Pierce’s prediction could come true.
