The first major trade of the summer happened during the NBA Finals, which is surprising in itself. The Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four unprotected first-round picks, plus a pick swap.
But the most surprising aspect of this trade just might be the draft compensation itself.
There are a lot of polarizing opinions around the NBA after the deal. Some people believe Bane is an excellent addition to the Magic. Bane’s strong perimeter shooting, paired with young star Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, along with a healthy Jalen Suggs, propels Orlando into the conversation for a higher seed in a weaker Eastern Conference.
Others, such as ex-NBA star Gilbert Arenas, view the draft compensation price as far too high. Or “dumb,” as he put it on the “Gil’s Arena Show” Podcast.
Ex-NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Describes Magic’s Desmond Bane Trade With Brutal Honesty
When asked if the Magic got “fleeced” for Bane, he replied, “Fleeced? They’re not fleeced…they’re just dumb.” To accentuate his point, he opined that the risk outweighs the reward with the amount of unprotected picks given up.
“They’re not good enough to win a championship to give up four unprotected first-round picks,” Arenas said. “Dynasties were built on stupid decisions like this. It’s a win-now move for a team that’s not good enough to win now.”
Not everyone on the panel agreed with his take, and it got quite heated when Kenyon Martin Sr. shut down Arenas’ take, saying, “Memphis ain’t gonna be no dynasty.”
“The Orlando Magic didn’t get fleeced [in the Desmond Bane trade], they’re just dumb!”
Gil reacts to the Memphis Grizzlies sending Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a pick swap. pic.twitter.com/eGcmHeYEyZ
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) June 17, 2025
Are the Magic looking to make some playoff impact? It’s possible. The Boston Celtics are looking to shed payroll, especially with their franchise player, Jayson Tatum, out for next season.
Plus, the Milwaukee Bucks will be without Damian Lillard next season. This leaves teams like the Magic seeking to jump into the postseason conversation, having been a play-in team as the seventh seed.
Orlando hopes to establish a young core around Wagner, Banchero, and Suggs, making picks more expendable. By acquiring Bane, the Magic acquired a 41% career perimeter shooter, filling a glaring perimeter shooting need on their roster. The Magic also addressed a need for a two-guard.
He’s also a good defender and has years of quality basketball ahead of him. Bane is only 26 years old.
Was Draft Compensation Too Much?
Did the Magic give up too much draft compensation for Bane? It’s hard to tell at this time. Other trades, though, might offer some evidence.
For instance, the New York Knicks gave up five unprotected firsts for Mikal Bridges, a role player for most of his career, last summer. Since the deal, Bridges has struggled with his outside shot, hitting at a 35% clip. That’s his worst output since his rookie year.
He also didn’t look comfortable as the primary on-ball defender in New York.
Bane, on the other hand, is a better shooter, averages more points, and has been a better defender of late. Neither are considered All-Star caliber players, but a comparison can be made, and Bane has the higher upside.
Another trade to look at involving draft compensation was the Dallas Mavericks trading superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for just one first-round pick. Dallas was not shopping Dončić before the trade. Plus, the Mavericks picked up Lakers superstar Anthony Davis.
ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins felt the cost for Bane was high, saying, “that’s a lot of picks,” but liked the Magic’s acquisition.
Orlando took a significant step toward getting into contention in the Eastern Conference, while Memphis has an opportunity to rebuild their roster through the NBA Draft.
