BASKETBALL
Magic add Bane in trade with Grizzlies
The Orlando Magic wanted to find scoring and shooting this summer. Desmond Bane was their answer, and the first big move of the NBA summer -- before the NBA summer even officially begins -- has arrived.
The Magic acquired Bane from Memphis on Sunday in a deal that sends Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and four first-round draft picks to the Grizzlies -- one this year, another in 2026, then others in 2028 and 2030. The deal also included the option for a pick swap in 2029.
"We are very thrilled to welcome Desmond to the Orlando Magic family," president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said. "Over his five years in the NBA, Desmond has distinguished himself as one of the elite guards in our league, and we look forward to his shooting, IQ and wide-ranging skill set in helping our team take a step forward."
Bane averaged 19.2 points this season for the Grizzlies, plus he connected on 39% of his shots from three-point range. He would figure to be an upgrade for a Magic team that has made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons -- going out in the first round both years -- but has sought more shooting to pair with star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
"Desmond's character is held in high regard across the league and we believe he will fit seamlessly with our existing players both on and off the court," Weltman said.
Bane was Memphis' most productive three-point shooter this season and the Grizzlies' third-leading scorer behind Ja Morant (23.2 points in 50 games) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.2 points in 74 games). He is an 88% free throw shooter for his career, which should help an Orlando team that was average at best in that department last season -- 77.5%, or 19th in the 30-team league.
FILE - Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) waves his arms to the fans during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, April 15, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) waves his arms to the fans during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, April 15, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)