ESPN Analyst Says Desmond Bane Immediately Makes Orlando Magic A Contender

Apr 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) dribbles as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) and guard Alex Caruso (9) defend during the second quarter during game four for the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

ESPN analyst Jay Williams was in the middle of talking about the Memphis Grizzlies' future but couldn't help but first give props to Orlando Magic general manager Anthony Parker.

Parker played a role in the Magic trading for for Grizzlies forward Desmond Bane Sunday. Williams felt the move makes the Magic a contender in the Eastern Conference next season.

"First off, shout out to Anthony Parker and Orlando," Williams said on Monday's episode of Get Up. "I think they're going to be top five in the Eastern Conference with this move with Desmond Bane. I just have to say that."

On the same segment, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said he felt Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was included in the deal, had a disappointing last season. Despite playing key roles in championship seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, he averaged just 8.7 points and 2.2 rebounds after being considered a huge offseason acquisition last summer.

The Magic were still eliminated in five by games by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

"It's trading one of their core players, a young guy that's under contract essentially for draft picks," Windhorst said. "Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been a key role player on championship teams but he really had a poor year last year."

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