The Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. The Magic gave up Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and a plethora of future first-round picks for the star shooting guard. With the deal they made, it gives Orlando more options on the offensive end.
The Magic were last in the NBA in 3-point shooting in the 2024-25 NBA season, making only 31.8% of their attempts. Additionally, the team didn't have any options on offense outside of its forward tandem of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Acquiring Bane gives them another shot creator. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard finished last season averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 39.2% shooting from downtown for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Desmond Bane
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane drives to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero.
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Since the trade, there have been questions if the Magic are true title contenders in the Eastern Conference. In the latest episode of FanDuel TV's "Run It Back," former NBA star Lou Williams is one of the people who believe Orlando can be a threat to the title.
The former Atlanta Hawks guard said the Magic are in a "win-now" position following the trade.
"He makes them better on paper. I don't think they gave up too much," said Williams. "You don't know what the future holds, right? But you know, right now, what Desmond Bane is gonna bring to the table.
"You can hedge your bets on your future, or you can give yourself an opportunity to compete in the Eastern Conference... It gives them a great opportunity to win now, especially with the Eastern Conference being in the position that it's in right now."
With Bane, the Magic now forms a trio with Banchero and Wagner. Aside from scoring, the former Grizzlies guard is also a capable defender. Through his five years in the NBA, the former TCU star has only averaged below one steal once.
Orlando's new starting shooting guard will wear No. 3.