The Orlando Magic have pulled off the biggest, home-run acquisition of the year. They have stolen away Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies, a move that will completely shake up the complexion of both franchises. This deal would require the Magic to send Memphis Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and several first-round picks. Bane’s a well documented shooter and playmaker. A floor spacer who averaged 17.8 points per game over his five seasons in the NBA, Fultz is now a key part of Orlando’s future.
Bane’s impressive shooting ability, highlighted by a 41% accuracy from beyond the arc during his tenure with the Grizzlies, enhances the Magic’s offensive capabilities. His arrival will help lighten the scoring load on young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. In addition to his playmaking, he will give the team the floor spacing they desperately need. This strategic acquisition increases the Magic’s niveau play big time! It hits them hard at perhaps the worst aspect of their game, their three-point shooting, which has seen them bottomed out near the bottom of the league in percentage this season.
Beyond becoming more efficient as a shooter, Bane has added more playmaking to his game. Last year, he was good for 5.3 assists per game (APG), thanks to his knack for finding teammates in open spots. His presence will allow him to operate as a secondary playmaker next to Orlando’s other young talents. Furthermore, Bane’s role is likely to push Jalen Suggs into a more complementary position, allowing Suggs to focus on other aspects of his game while benefiting from Bane’s playmaking.
The deal greatly improves the Magic’s current roster. More importantly, it opens up thrilling opportunities for younger players such as Ziaire Williams and Santi Aldama to cement their future in Memphis. With Bane departing, there is now a greater chance for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. to take center stage as primary scorers. Bane’s absence will prevent anyone from stepping in and immediately replacing his fantasy value in Memphis. While that change will hurt Morant going forward, he’ll gain a look at far more threes with the rebuilt rotation—especially with Brooks sidelined.
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