The Magic Insider

Magic Predicted To Trade For $208 Million NBA Champion To Form Electric Backcourt With Desmond Bane

Mar 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA;  Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic depleted their future draft capital for former Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane, leaving them with just a few assets to further improve the roster.

Although a 'Big Three' of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Bane will likely make noise in a shaky Eastern Conference, general manager Anthony Parker should always be willing to entertain trades. Anthony Black, Tristan da Silva, Jonathan Isaac, and even Jalen Suggs may see a change of scenery depending on how the first half of the 2025-2026 regular season plays out.

PFSN predicts the Magic could trade for Denver Nuggets guard and NBA champion Jamal Murray in the event the backcourt outside of Bane disappoints early on.

Let's first observe how this wild scenario would look from the Magic's perspective. Murray is certainly an offensive upgrade over Suggs, but it may not be worth it given the number of assets needed to land him. Not to mention, there is a major defensive drop-off from Suggs to Nikola Jokic's longtime No. 2 option.

The article shared Murray's four-year, $208 million contract he signed in late 2024 is what motivates the Nuggets to move the 28-year-old. The All-Rookie guard begins this extension next season. Denver's front office would, according to PFSN, seek out young pieces and draft capital in exchange for Murray, which the Magic are severely lacking after acquiring Bane.

The reason this is pitched in the first place is because Murray could provide the Magic with even more offensive firepower and create quite an electric backcourt with Bane.

Both guards averaged more than or near 20 points last season on efficient shooting splits, but that doesn't eliminate any of the previously listed logistic problems with this trade.


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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com

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