The NBA world was shaken earlier this morning when news dropped about a trade between the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies. Orlando acquired guard Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round draft picks.
Read more NBA news:Magic Land Desmond Bane From Grizzlies in Blockbuster Trade
This was the first major move of the offseason, and it completely changes the power structure in both conferences. Orlando gets a legitimate scoring option, and the Grizzlies may be ready to blow up the roster.
More NBA news:Grizzlies Urged to Blow Up Roster Following Desmond Bane Trade
After the news broke, many people around the NBA world had different opinions of the deal. The general consensus was that it was a good deal for both sides, but Orlando may have overpaid a little.
The trade came out of nowhere, and Bane will now head to play for the Magic moving forward. The veteran guard has now broken his silence on the deal with a simple emoji message.
Bane seems to be pretty excited about the opportunity to join the Magic going forward. Orlando was an extremely tough defensive team this past season, but their downfall came on the offensive end of the floor.
The veteran guard should be able to help with that fact, giving them a true floor-spacing player. Bane averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game last season for the Grizzlies.
But his shooting from beyond the arc is a major reason why the Magic seemed to target him in a deal. Bane shot 39.2 percent from distance this past year and will be looking to do more damage in Orlando.
Putting Bane on the floor with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and others should give the Magic one of the strongest starting fives in the Eastern Conference. Orlando is trying to go for a title next season, and this move puts them a little closer to being a true contender.
This was a rare win-win deal for both sides. But Orlando definitely got the best player in the entire trade.
More NBA news:
Top Landing Spots for Grizzlies' Ja Morant Following Desmond Bane Trade
Lakers Insider Opens Door on Potential Walker Kessler Trade
Surprising East Team Has Entered Kevin Durant Trade Sweepstakes: Report
Rockets Make Massive Roster Move Ahead of Free Agency
For more on the Magic, Grizzlies, and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Related Articles
Kevin Durant Rumors: Two 'Sleeper' Teams Revealed For Suns Star
Top Landing Spots for Grizzlies' Ja Morant Following Desmond Bane Trade
Lakers Insider Opens Door on Potential Walker Kessler Trade
Grizzlies Urged to Blow Up Roster Following Desmond Bane Trade
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published June 15, 2025 at 4:42 PM.