Desmond Bane wasn’t Magic’s first choice and Draymond Green thinks their pick will backfire

Orlando were “reportedly” looking at Ja Morant

Based on the Magic’s roster construction, their huge need for outside shooting needed to be addressed. Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner are not elite outside shooters, let alone decent ones.

So a move for a shooter like Desmond Bane was expected. However, most discussions surrounding the Magic had centered on their need for a lead guard.

In a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, the Warriors forward suggested Ja Morant may have been at the top of Orlando’s wish list.

Green said: “I don’t know this to be factual, this is just my guess. My guess is that they’ve been looking for a point guard.

“My guess is they called on Ja and Memphis formed it but curved the ball back, and it was Desmond Bane back in the trade.”

Orlando clearly needed a guard who could stretch the floor, but whether they would have been better off with someone else is something the Magic will have to answer on the court.

The other player linked to Orlando in numerous rumors was Anfernee Simons of the Trail Blazers.

It’s now up to Bane to prove why the Orlando front office trusted him to be a key piece even if he might not have been their first choice.

Bane fits in perfectly in the Magic’s starting lineup

He has some playmaking skills, averaging 5.5 assists per game for the Grizzlies in the 2024-25 season. Plus, adding another capable ball handler gives the Magic more playmaking depth behind Suggs and Wagner.

Simons is also an excellent offensive player, but he is not known for his defense. Bane strengthens Orlando’s perimeter defense, fitting well beside Jalen Suggs. A lineup of Suggs, Bane, Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr. gives the Magic the strength in the backcourt they have been lacking.

With the talent they have now, history may call this trade a home run for Orlando, regardless of how much they gave up.