Why a recent move makes the Magic legitimate contenders  

The Orlando Magic are rarely ever the talk of the NBA, but they may have made the move that will actually have the biggest impact on next season. 

So while everyone is busy discussing Kevin Durant moving teams again or what will happen with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Magic are planting their flag as a team clearly going for it. 

For the first time in years, Orlando made a "win now" type move when they traded for Desmond Bane. 

On June 15, the Memphis Grizzlies shipped Bane to Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap. While it may seem like Orlando gave up a lot for a player who has never been an All-Star, the Magic believe Bane is worth the price and is the piece they need to have a shot in what should be a wide-open Eastern Conference. 

It's also possible Orlando is right, and that's why this calculated risk on the heels of a 41-41 season makes sense for a franchise that hasn't been a true title contender since trading Dwight Howard a decade and a half ago. 

"Over his five years in the NBA, Desmond has distinguished himself as one of the elite guards in our league, and we look forward to his shooting, IQ and wide-ranging skill set in helping our team take a step forward," said Magic president Jeff Weltman about the addition of Bane. 

What does Bane bring? 

For starters, Bane has experience that can help a team looking to take the next step after making the playoffs in consecutive seasons following only two appearances in the prior 11 years. 

Since being selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft, Bane has started in 261 of his 313 games played. 

Bane is also an extremely efficient shooter, especially from three-point range, something the Magic have been seriously lacking. He shot a career-high 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc last season. 

In contrast, the Magic are coming off a season in which they ranked last in overall three-point percentage at 31.8. Through five seasons, Bane is at 47.2% from the field and a 41% mark from three. He's even one of only three players to make 800 threes since 2020. 

Scoring wise, he averaged 19.2 points per game last season and a personal-best of 23.7 two seasons ago.  

Why is the time right for the Magic? 

Bane clearly fills a much-needed void for Orlando, granted giving up so much draft capital is still a risk. 

However, in looking at the new landscape of the conference, it's a move worth making with the usual favorites now weakened. 

Tyreese Halliburton suffering an Achilles tear early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals will force the Pacers to take a step back. Boston has been busy shedding salary this offseason, largely due to Jayson Tatum's year-long absence due to the same injury. In keeping up with the Achilles theme, Damian Lillard will miss the season, triggering rumors about Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee. 

And aside from injuries to key players, the Knicks are in flux after firing Tom Thibodeau despite experiencing their best season in 25 years, the Cavaliers have proven to be vulnerable in the playoffs and the 76ers have no idea how much they can rely on Joel Embiid. 

Anything can happen, but the door appears more open than it's been in years. And even though there are other teams on the rise (Detroit for example), the Magic have every reason to believe.