Orlando Magic Acquire Desmond Bane From Memphis Grizzlies In Major Trade

The Orlando Magic are acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies. In return, they will send Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap to Memphis. This trade aims to strengthen Orlando's shooting guard position.

Orlando will give Memphis the 16th overall pick in this month's NBA Draft. Additionally, they will provide the Phoenix Suns' first-round selection next year and their own unprotected first-rounders in 2028 and 2030. The pick swap for 2029 will have light protection.

Magic Acquire Bane from Grizzlies in Trade

This trade is a significant move for the Magic, who finished with a 41-41 record last season. They won the Southeast Division for the second consecutive year but were eliminated in the first round of the play-offs again. Caldwell-Pope started 77 games but averaged only 8.7 points per game.

Caldwell-Pope's performance dipped further during the NBA Play-In Tournament and play-offs, where he averaged just five points. The team hopes Bane can provide more scoring power at shooting guard.

Bane played 69 games for Memphis this season, averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. The Grizzlies had a strong season with a 48-34 record and advanced out of the Play-In Tournament before being swept by Oklahoma City Thunder in the play-offs.

Meanwhile, Cole Anthony's scoring average dropped to a career-low of 9.4 points per game over 67 games this season. This was after he averaged 13.5 points in his previous three seasons with Orlando.

The Grizzlies finished second in the Southwest Division this season. Despite their efforts, they couldn't progress past the opening round of the play-offs against Oklahoma City Thunder.

This trade marks a new chapter for both teams as they adjust their rosters to better compete in future seasons.