The Desmond Bane trade to Orlando has created shockwaves throughout the NBA community. The blockbuster deal sent the sharpshooter to the Magic in exchange for a hefty package.

The Magic surrendered Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and one first-round pick swap to acquire Bane. The steep price has many questioning whether the Magic overpaid for the Memphis guard.

Isaiah Thomas thinks the Magic got completely fleeced

From a basketball perspective, Bane makes sense for Orlando’s needs. The guard averaged 2.4 three-pointers per game on 39.2% shooting last season, addressing the Magic’s desperate need for perimeter scoring.

The potential starting lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr. looks impressive on paper.

However, the four unprotected first-round picks for a player who averaged 20.9 points per game and not even the main-star on his team has raised serious concerns.

Former NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas didn’t hold back his criticism of the deal. “Lol they trippin,” Thomas wrote on his X account immediately after the trade announcement.

Bill Simmons uses trade to make Lakers predicyion

NBA analyst Bill Simmons seized the opportunity to take a satirical shot at Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and his aggressive offseason approach.

“Now watch Pelinka trade Rui [Hachimura] and a 2032 1st for Jaren Jackson [Jr.],” Simmons posted on X, highlighting Pelinka’s bold and headline-grabbing trade philosophy.

While Simmons’ prediction seems unlikely, it underscores how the Lakers were able to pull off a steal for Luka Doncic earlier this year, while noting how the Memphis Grizzlies are looking to rebuild and potentially blow up their roster.

Now watch Pelinka trade Rui and a 2032 1st for Jaren Jackson.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 15, 2025

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Mid-Tier stars command Superstar prices

This trade reflects the current NBA landscape where mid-tier stars command premium prices in draft capital. Recent precedents support this trend across the league.

The Rudy Gobert trade from Utah to Minnesota included five first-round picks for the defensive anchor. Similarly, the Mikal Bridges deal from Brooklyn to New York cost the Knicks five first-round picks and one second-round selection.

5 first round picks for Rudy Gobert
5 first round picks for Desmond Bane
6 first round picks for Mikal Bridges

imagine what a Giannis package would look like if he ever seriously asked out

— A ✩ (@adryanashton) June 15, 2025

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With superstar trade rumors swirling around players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, the Bane deal raises questions about future asking prices.

If a player of Bane’s caliber commands four unprotected first-rounders, the cost for true superstars could reach unprecedented levels in today’s draft pick-obsessed market.