Image Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Desmond Bane Traded to Orlando Magic in Blockbuster Deal Involving Multiple Picks and Key Players

Orlando Magic make a bold win-now move by acquiring Desmond Bane

Image Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic have made their first offseason move, and it’s a big one. The Magic are finally addressing their offensive shortcomings, which saw them bow out against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Orlando Magic have acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. On top of that, the Magic has also surrendered four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round swap.

The Grizzlies’ 30th pick from the 2020 Draft impressed in the 2024–25 NBA season. He averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. He also shot a career-best 41% from the field. Desmond Bane with Ja Morant was one of the reasons why the Grizzlies managed to turn around in the last stage of the season.

4 unprotected picks for Desmond Bane? The next stop for KD needs to be his basketball HOME and the Knicks Coaches Search is malpractice at its Finest.
If Memphis don’t get KD or Giannis they need to break it up… meaning trade JJJ and Ja

Sunday addition of @RoadTrippinPod

Tap…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 16, 2025

The 26-year-old is expected to instantly aid the Orlando Magic’s offense. However, the cost of the trade may be considered steep. Giving up 4 first round picks and one swap, maybe a tad bit. The Magic have decided to surrender four unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2028, 2030, and a Phoenix/Washington 2026 pick) along with a lightly protected swap for the 2029 pick.

Bane Trade Shakes Up Eastern Conference

Desmond Bane wore No. 22 throughout his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies. Though, he doesn’t have any connection with No. 22 and was randomly allotted it. With a new chapter, Bane will wear #3 at the Orlando Magic, announced the team.

Across five seasons for the Grizzlies, Desmond Bane has played 313 regular-season games, averaging 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists. With the Grizzlies, Bane significantly improved as a shot-maker, averaging 47.2% from the field and 41.0% from three-point range.

The Magic believe they can contend in the East, and Bane’s arrival reflects a clear win-now approach. However, it will take more than Desmond Bane to reach there, which is why Magic will need to continue their hunt in the off season market.