Stephen A. Smith Reveals Massive Concern About Current Magic Commerce

The Orlando Magic concluded their 2024-25 common season at .500 with a 41-41 report, securing the Japanese Convention’s seventh seed after defeating Atlanta within the play-in match.

Nevertheless, their playoff run uncovered essential weaknesses once they managed only one victory in opposition to the Boston Celtics throughout 5 video games.

Orlando’s offensive limitations grew to become 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 worth Orlando paid.

“I’m simply reticent about 4 unprotected first-round picks. That’s my solely situation with this. I’m apprehensive about that. That’s a bit a lot to me. If you happen to’re making a deal like that, you’re saying, ‘This transfer places us in championship competition.’ And I don’t know if it does that,” Smith mentioned.

.@stephenasmith loves Desmond Bane’s sport, however he is involved with how a lot the Magic gave up 😯

“If you happen to’re making a deal like that, you are saying ‘this transfer places us in championship competition,’ and I do not know if it does that.” pic.twitter.com/b6Z0UdNRV7

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 16, 2025

The Magic surrendered vital belongings to amass Bane, together with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, 4 unprotected first-round choices spanning 2025 by 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 competition.

Whereas Bane averaged 18 factors per sport with distinctive three-point accuracy and tasks as a perfect 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 exterior the celebrity tier.

Not like buying skills corresponding to Kevin Durant or Luka Doncic, this transfer represents a big gamble on incremental enchancment somewhat than transformative influence.

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