In a significant move shaking up the NBA landscape, the Memphis Grizzlies have traded guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. It’s a gutsy move by the Magic just days before the start of the new season. They’re offering a package to the Grizzlies that includes shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, point guard Cole Anthony, four first-rounders and a future pick swap. The deal represents a key tactical move for both franchises as each continues along their rebuilding/contending arcs.
Desmond Bane, who’s turning 27 years old next week, obviously adds a ton of talent to the Magic. Bane is known for his sharp shooting touch and his scoring prowess. His contract averages $40.8 million annually over the next four seasons, with an additional $1.35 million reachable if he wins championships. His addition improves an already talented Orlando City side. It features thrilling up-and-coming talents such as Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner. As the 30th overall pick, Bane fits the developmental timeline of this core group perfectly.
It wasn’t an easy go of it last year for the Orlando Magic, and their season ended in a five-game first-round drubbing by the Boston Celtics. Their most glaring weakness was an atrocious performance from the 3-point range. Combined with a league-low 32% from 3-point range, they had the league’s third worst offense. Bane has hit over two 3-pointers a game (2.4 avg.) This strong performance would make him an indispensable addition to help improve the Magic’s lackluster perimeter shooting.
After a tumultuous season, the Memphis Grizzlies first quality trade on their part comes in this deal. After going 2-8 during this disappointing stretch, they have recently fired head coach Taylor Jenkins and promoted their G-League head coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Grizzlies were riding high at the start of the season, sitting tied for second in the Western Conference less than two weeks ago. Unfortunately for these Coyotes, they were eventually swept in the first round of the playoffs as the No. 8 seed.
Not only did the Grizzlies end up with Bane, they racked up multiple first-round picks from Orlando. Included in those selections is the better of the Magic’s 2026 first-rounder and the worst of Phoenix and Washington’s. This influx of draft capital reflects Memphis’s commitment to building for the future while parting ways with a talented player.
Both teams are looking forward to the upcoming season. As with any significant offseason addition, all eyes will be on how Desmond Bane fits into the Orlando Magic’s young core and if the former Cinderella-slayers can turn things around after last year’s disaster. What the trade has done is completely flipped the fortunes for both franchises. It ushers in a thrilling new future for Bane’s career, as he now becomes part of a team hungry to bounce back and re-enter the playoff contention conversation.
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