What acquiring Desmond Bane from Grizzlies in substantial trade means
Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman made his very first move Sunday looking through Orlando’s “win-now” lens that he described the organization was getting in after a second straight first-round exit in the playoffs.
The Magic will get guard-forward Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guard Cole Anthony, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and numerous future first-round draft choices, a league source informed the Sentinel.
The draft chooses conveyed to Memphis consist of, according to the league source: The No. 16 choice in the upcoming 2025 draft, a first-round choice in 2026 (which includes swap rights from either Phoenix or Washington), a first-round choice in 2028, the swap rights to a first-round draft choice in 2029 (leading 2 protected) and a first-round draft pick in 2030.
“We are really enjoyed welcome Desmond (Bane) to the Orlando Magic family,” Weltman stated in a statement after the trade became official. “Over his 5 years in the NBA, Desmond has actually differentiated himself as one of the elite guards in our league, and we anticipate his shooting, IQ and comprehensive capability in assisting our team take a step forward.
“Desmond’s character is kept in high regard across the league and we believe he will fit perfectly with our existing players both on and off the court,” he included.
By landing Bane, the Magic include a sharpshooter who attends to one of Orlando’s most significant needs on the court. A 6-5 shooting guard, Bane shot 39.2% on 6.1 efforts from 3-point variety per game last season for Memphis when he averaged 19.2 points with 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 helps during 32 minutes in 69 games.
A high-volume shooter from beyond the arc, Bane has balanced 6.3 long-range attempts on 41% shooting throughout his five-year profession. In 2015, Orlando shot a league-low 31.8% from 3.
Bane is viewed by those around the league as a high IQ player with great character and a comprehensive skill set. A tough defender who is expected to suit Orlando’s defensive DNA, Bane balanced at least one take in 4 of his five years in Memphis.
And Orlando didn’t have to give up its core players in Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, or its young players such as Anthony Black (a 2023 lottery choice) and Tristan da Silva (2024 first-round pick).
The Magic likewise still own the No. 25 choice in the June 25 draft, in addition to two second-round picks this year. That first-round pick was gotten from Denver in a trade made by Weltman over 4 years earlier.
Orlando has until June 29 to make decisions about its group alternatives for Moe Wagner, Cory Joseph, Caleb Houstan and Gary Harris. If the options are decreased, those players would become unlimited totally free agents who could return on new deals or indication elsewhere.
By sending out Caldwell-Pope, the Magic move on from their biggest free-agent signing a year earlier. The two-time champ signed with Orlando thinking he ‘d help the club make a jump similar to when he won league titles with the Nuggets (2023) and Lakers (2020 ).
Ultimately however, Caldwell-Pope wasn’t the proper fit, and this trade validates it. Last season ended a five-year run of him shooting at least 38% from 3-point variety when he shot 34.2% from 3, the third-worst mark in his 12-year profession.
He was likewise costly, entering the 2nd year of his three-year $66 million contract in 2025-26.
By moving on from Anthony, the Magic lose one of their longer tenured players on the current squad who used an increase off the bench and frequently a laugh in the locker room.
A 2020 first-round pick, Anthony became Orlando’s backup point guard as his profession advanced. Although he had his moments, this previous season didn’t come simple for him when averaged 9.4 points, 3 rebounds and 2.9 helps, all figures that represented career-worsts as he played the fewest minutes (18.4) throughout the first year of his three-year extension he signed with the Magic in October 2023.
“We wish to thank Cole and Kenny for their contributions to the Orlando Magic,” Weltman said. “They have actually held true experts and we wish them well.”
Sending two players for one, the trade leaves Orlando with an open roster area for a basic agreement. It likewise has 2 staying two-way areas open, with only Ethan Thompson on a two-way offer.
As for Bane, who will turn 27 on June 25, his future in Orlando starts now.
He signed a five-year, $207 million max novice agreement extension in summer season 2023 and has 4 years remaining on his offer, which is key for the Magic.
Weltman had expressed in the past he wasn’t going to part with a young player or draft capital simply for an one-year fix. Bane offers what Orlando needs and is under agreement for the foreseeable future.
Although the Magic paid a high rate in future choices, it’s why they amassed picks over the years to make offers comparable to Sunday’s. And there’s context that comes with the picks: If Orlando is where it intends to be in the future, it’s unlikely the future picks will be high in worth.
Obviously, that becomes part of the gamble that includes such a move.
However bottom line, Weltman said the Magic would look for “tested shot-making, proven offensive play,” and that’s what they get in Bane.
Last season, he scored in double figures 62 times, 20-plus points 36 times, 30-plus points six times and 40-plus once, including a season-high 44 on March 17 at Sacramento.
With more work to be done, anticipate Weltman to continue to relocate his usually stealth style.
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com!.?.! Initially Released: June 15
, 2025 at 12:05 PM EDT