Michael Redd has been the more desirable voices in the NBA right now amidst the storm of former NBA players banking on hot takes for clicks. The Milwaukee Bucks star chimed in on the latest blockbuster trade and he thinks the Orlando Magic won it.
Desmond Bane, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Orlando Magic
Oct 26, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) looks to pass the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In case you missed it, Magic disrupted the silent offseason by announcing that they have traded for Desmond Bane with the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap. They also sent away key role players Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony.
“That’s a lot of first round draft picks.”
“Magic got fleeced”
Even Giannis Antetokounmpo who’s been linked to many trade rumors was brought up from this news because how much Memphis got just for Bane.
If im the Bucks, the price for Giannis is now a 51% equity stake in your franchise and the team governor’s first-born child. https://t.co/bHKOGdaMTz
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) June 15, 2025
If that’s the price on Bane, I’d imagine the starting price for Giannis is all your picks, ownership of your franchise, and mineral rights in your state.
— Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) June 15, 2025
A Giannis trade would require 23 unprotected firsts, multiple starters, $100M in cash, 4 Bugattis, and the first born child from the other GM.
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) June 15, 2025
Desmond Bane, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Orlando Magic
Mar 28, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) shoots for three during the second half against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
That’s just among the many negative comments about what went down. Those are natural reactions. since Desmond Bane is not an All-Star although he is the Grizzlies’ second best player on a good day.
Michael Redd thinks it’s a good trade
While everyone is trolling the Magic for going for the exchange, Redd is a different voice. He thinks it is a courageous move from the Orlando Magic before it makes them a more serious team.
“Orlando trading for Desmond Bane is the type of aggressive move I love to see. They’re officially going for it,” he wrote on X.
“Last summer they chose KCP over Klay Thompson, a solid decision that kept expectations manageable while Paolo and Franz continued developing. Now, a year later with those young guys bonafide, the Magic recognized their window and made a real push.”
Redd, a one-time All-Star with the Bucks, understand, however, that if things don’t pan out with this bold move, heads should roll.
Michael Redd
Mar 18, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Former Ohio State basketball player Michael Redd attends the introductory press conference for head coach Jake Diebler at Value City Arena.
He also insisted that Bane is a good acquisition because of his talent and the way he will complement Magic’s two rising stars.
“Bane’s shooting and two-way impact gives Orlando a legit chance to make a run in the East. Paolo is ascending, Franz is borderline All-Star, and now they have the pieces around them.
“Better to swing for the fences than spend years wondering “what if.” Props to Orlando’s front office for recognizing their timeline and acting decisively.”
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