Desmond Bane traded to Orlando Magic by Memphis Grizzlies
The Orlando Magic made a significant move to boost their scoring and shooting by acquiring guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies.
In exchange, Memphis received Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and four first-round draft picks spanning 2025, 2026, 2028 and 2030, along with an option for a pick swap in 2029.
“We are very thrilled to welcome Desmond to the Orlando Magic family,” said Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman in a statement released.
“Over his five years in the NBA, Desmond has distinguished himself as one of the elite guards in our league, and we look forward to his shooting, IQ and wide-ranging skill set in helping our team take a step forward," he added.
Bane, 26, averaged 19.2 points this season for Memphis, shooting 39 per cent from three-point range.
The guard is expected to provide much-needed perimeter scoring to a Magic team that has made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons but has struggled to find consistent shooting. Orlando finished last in the NBA this year in three-pointers per game (11.2) and three-point percentage (31.8).
Known for his ability to ignite offence, Bane scored 30 or more points in 29 regular-season games, including two performances with more than 40 points. He is also an 88 per cent free-throw shooter and averaged 1.2 steals per game, fitting well with Orlando’s defensive style.
Desmond Bane will wear #3 🪄 pic.twitter.com/fjCLwOUZB5
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, have undergone changes after firing coach Taylor Jenkins late last season and being swept in the first round of the playoffs.
“Disappointing season, a lot to sort through here, 48 wins, good for an 8 seed,” said Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman. “But who cares? It’s not good enough.”
Caldwell-Pope, a two-time NBA champion with Los Angeles and Denver, was a regular starter for Orlando this season, averaging 8.7 points on 44 per cent shooting. Anthony, in his fifth pro season, averaged 9.4 points but had an inconsistent role.
The deal represents Orlando’s commitment to improving its offensive capabilities around star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner as the team aims to become a serious contender in the Eastern Conference.