USA: The NBA offseason is off to a dramatic start as the Memphis Grizzlies have officially traded sharpshooter Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in a blockbuster move that’s already stirring up major conversation across the league and online.
According to sources, the Magic sent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a massive package of four unprotected first-round picks plus a 2029 pick swap to Memphis in exchange for Bane. The picks include the No. 16 overall selection in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, as well as future first-rounders in 2026, 2028, and 2030. The 2029 pick swap is top-two protected.
What This Means for the Magic
Orlando is making a bold “win-now” move by adding Bane to its promising young core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. The 26-year-old guard has quietly become one of the league’s most efficient shooters, making over 800 career three-pointers at 40% accuracy since entering the league in 2020. His catch-and-shoot numbers (43.2%) rank third-best in the NBA over the last five seasons.
Bane’s perimeter shooting addresses a glaring weakness for the Magic, who finished last in the NBA in both overall three-point percentage and catch-and-shoot threes this past season.
What the Grizzlies Get
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, gain defensive depth with Caldwell-Pope, scoring versatility with Anthony, and perhaps most importantly, a treasure chest of draft capital for future roster-building. While Bane has been a cornerstone in Memphis, this move signals a shift toward flexibility and long-term planning.
NBA Community Reacts
Social media exploded with reactions—especially from fans and commentators questioning whether the Magic overpaid. NBA podcaster Bill Simmons chimed in with a snarky jab at the Lakers, joking, “Now watch Pelinka trade Rui and a 2032 1st for Jaren Jackson,” in reference to L.A.’s history of bold trades.
The trade is also drawing comparisons to this year’s controversial deal that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers, as fans continue to debate the balance of power across conferences.
Desmond Bane’s 2024-25 Stats:
- 19.2 PPG
- 6.1 RPG
- 5.3 APG
- 43.2% catch-and-shoot 3P%
Bane is under contract with the Magic through 2028-29, ensuring he’ll remain a central figure in their postseason push for years to come.