In a bold move to accelerate the Orlando Magic’s rebuild, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman pulled off a major trade on Sunday, acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies.
The deal sends guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, point guard Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and one first-round pick swap to Memphis, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Orlando’s All-In Trade for Bane
Weltman had already signaled this offseason that it was time for Orlando to transition from rebuilding to contending. This trade exemplifies that shift, as the Magic traded a significant haul for Bane, a dynamic guard who brings much-needed shooting and scoring ability to the team.
Bane, who shot 39.2% from three-point range last season, has a career average of 41% from beyond the arc, filling one of Orlando’s most glaring needs.
Beyond his shooting, Bane has proven himself as a secondary shot creator, averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season.
His skill set, combined with the talents of young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, makes the Magic’s offense poised for a significant leap from its 27th-ranked position in the league last season.
Bane’s presence also strengthens Orlando’s defensive unit, as he has been known as a solid defender. This adds to the Magic’s already impressive defensive setup, making them a more well-rounded team for the upcoming season.
The Price of the Deal
While Bane’s skill set is a perfect fit for what Orlando needs, the price to acquire him is steep. The Magic are sending away four unprotected first-round picks, which is a considerable gamble for a player who has not yet been selected as an All-Star.
In addition to the picks, Orlando is also parting with two quality veterans in Caldwell-Pope and Anthony, which adds even more risk to the trade.
However, for the Magic, the move reflects a belief that the Eastern Conference is wide open following injuries to key players like Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard.
With Bane now in the mix, Orlando could realistically challenge for a top-four spot in the East and become a serious playoff threat.
Memphis’s Next Moves
For Memphis, this trade provides a strong financial advantage. The four unprotected first-round picks give the Grizzlies flexibility to make future trades, potentially lowering their payroll.
This could clear the way for a massive contract extension for Jaren Jackson Jr. this summer. Memphis could also explore trades involving Jackson or Ja Morant, though it’s unlikely they will completely reset the team.
While Bane has been crucial for the Grizzlies in the absence of Morant, Memphis gains a solid starting shooting guard in Caldwell-Pope and a valuable backup point guard in Anthony.
The real value, however, lies in the four first-round picks, which could either be used to acquire more depth over time or as part of future trades to enhance their roster.
This trade marks a significant shift for the Orlando Magic as they move towards becoming a legitimate playoff contender. The acquisition of Desmond Bane adds a major piece to their lineup, but it comes with considerable risk, given the draft picks and veteran players they gave up.
Meanwhile, Memphis gains valuable assets to build for the future, keeping them well-positioned for further moves. This trade sets the stage for a highly competitive season in the East, with Orlando positioning themselves as a potential top team in the coming years.
