Orlando Magic Trade KCP, Cole Anthony And Future Draft Picks for $197 Million Star 3 Mar 17, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) talks with forward Brandon Clarke (15) during a timeout during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic: Desmond Bane Trade Draws Bold 'Contender' Take From 1 Analyst

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 7:25 AM ET

The Orlando Magic recently pulled off a big trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, acquiring Desmond Bane in exchange for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and four future first-round picks.

Despite losing significant draft capital, NBA analyst Chris Broussard is a huge fan of this move since it addresses one of the Orlando Magic’s biggest concerns.

“I love it (this trade) for Orlando. I’ll take the Magic to be a contender in the East. The one thing (the Magic) couldn’t do this year was shoot. They were dead last in the league in threes, 31.0%, which is abysmal,” Broussard said on First Things First.

Memphis Grizzlies Vs Utah Jazz Odds, Picks, Moneyline NBA 2024-25 Season 10/23/2024 3 Nov 29, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

“Now you add one of the best three-point shooters in the league. He (Desmond Bane) is 41.0% for his career. They’re a great defensive team, and now you got shooting, which is gonna open things up even more for (Paolo) Banchero or (Franz) Wagner… I’m telling you should be claiming the Magic right now,” he added.

Orlando Magic News: Jalen Suggs reveals his true feelings on the Desmond Bane

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs is also a big fan of the Desmond Bane trade for the same reason Chris Broussard explained on his show. In his recent appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Suggs said he is excited to be on the same side as Bane.

Orlando Magic: Desmond Bane Trade Draws Bold Mar 13, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

“Bringing another dog onto our roster man,” Suggs said about Bane. “You know everything from what I’ve seen, playing against him, and hearing from people who have been around him. His mentality is elite, and not only that, I mean you can see his shooting ability, he’s been top in the league the past couple years. His ability to play off the catch.”

“Another versatile ball handler that gives us down the line, you know we can play one through four, even five,” he continued. “You know, everybody kind of with the ball in their hands making plays and uh being active and aggressive off closeouts. I think bringing him in not only with his physical attributes but his mindset will be a huge boost for all of us.”