CLEVELAND, Ohio — New Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane can’t make an All-Star team, and the casual fan can’t describe his game. But boy can Bane shoot a basketball. And with that talent, the Magic think he can change the Eastern Conference.
He makes 41% of his 3-pointers on six career attempts per game. Only four players in NBA history — Bane, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Michael Porter Jr. — can claim those numbers. And the Magic believe his jumper (along with his defense) is worth two rotation players, four first-round picks and over $40 million per year over the next four years.
Orlando paid a blockbuster price for the B-list shooting guard this week, and we can haggle over who won the trade later. In the interim, Bane fills a dire roster need (shooting) while fitting the Magic’s defensive ethos. In paying a steep price to get him, Orlando is telling its Eastern Conference rivals to clear out.
This team is ready to contend.
Hear that, Cavs president Koby Altman? The freaking Magic, winners of zero playoff series since 2010, are seizing the moment. Orlando sees a power vacuum atop the East next season. And while the Cavs scout second-round prospects and minimum signings, the Magic — who, again, have done nothing for 15 years — have pressed the “full send” button.
Who’s the fool: Patient, 64-win playoff underachiever (Cleveland)? Or zealous up-and-comer (Orlando)?
Ironically, the same rationale is governing both decisions. When Celtics forward Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles last month, the Eastern Conference vacated its crown. Due respect to the Indiana Pacers, who have acquitted themselves well in the NBA Finals, but their roster doesn’t scream “Dynasty.”
Perennial playoff team? Yes. Multi-year contender? Already proven. But Boston-level dominant, meaning 58.3 wins per season, one championship and another Finals appearance over a four-year span? Likely not.
As a result, the East’s top tier looks more attainable next season to teams like Orlando, more conquerable for a team like Cleveland.
From Altman’s perspective, there’s no need to overreact after losing to a worthy conference champion, especially not after an injury-riddled playoff run. Experience will prep the Cavs for a deeper postseason. A weakened East will clear their path.
Counterpoint: The Bane trade adds an obstacle that Cleveland might not have accounted for. Or if they did, it’s bigger now. Remember, the Magic pushed Cleveland to seven games during the 2024 playoffs. With point guard Jalen Suggs in the lineup last season, Orlando was on pace for 47 wins again. Its fatal flaw has always been shooting, and it just added one of the league’s best marksmen.
How confident are you in the Cavs’ bet on internal development now?
Moreover, how many Eastern Conference teams might follow Orlando’s opportunistic blueprint this offseason? Could the Pistons swing a move that surges them into contention? What about the Hawks or Heat Culture (™)?
Before you sneer at these “threats,” double-check Cleveland’s resume. The Donovan Mitchell trade has revitalized pro basketball in town and spawned 54.3 wins per season on average. But it only counts two playoff wins outside of Round 1. When the Magic decided the East was winnable, it included the Cavs in its calculus. And it paid attention when Altman told reporters that Cleveland harbored no plans to make a big move.
Of course, Cleveland lacks the draft capital Orlando sacrificed in this trade. Their version of a “big move” includes losing a core player. These decisions are complicated.
But the East looks wide open next season. Other hungry teams are closing the gap on Cleveland. And the Cavs appear content to sit and wait for them.
Bane can’t make an All-Star team, and plenty of fans can’t see how he’s worth what Orlando traded for him. But he can change the East with his jumper, particularly if Cleveland keeps passing up shots.