The Orlando Magic are focused on contending for an NBA title as All-Star forward Paolo Banchero enters his prime. However, the management thinks the team needs a little bit of a shake-up to address their offensive woes. The Magic were last in the league in 3-point shooting, which is why they traded for Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.
In return, the Grizzlies acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and a first-round pick swap. After just one season in Orlando, the veteran shooting guard is on the move again with two years left on his three-year, $66 million deal.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope controls the ball against the Atlanta Hawks.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
KCP's wife, McKenzie Caldwell-Pope, addressed the unexpected trade on Monday. She posted on her Instagram account about how they found out about the deal while they were out celebrating Father's Day as a family.
"We were in the middle of the ocean yesterday when we got the news about KCP going to the grizzlies. Not the news we were expecting on vacation but we are excited to take on a new city with our crew," McKenzie said about the trade.
After that, she had a heartfelt message for the two-time champion as they celebrated the holiday.
"To our protecter, provider, and the heartbeat of our household @caldwellpope Happy Father’s Day! From your number one fans in any city! We love you Daddy! ð¤"
KCP didn't have the best season with the Magic. In the regular season, he appeared in 77 games and averaged 8.7 points and 2.2 rebounds on 34.2% shooting from three. His best asset is his 3-point shooting and Orlando hoped to get that from him in the playoffs. Unfortunately for the team, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard struggled in the postseason.
In the five-game series they played against the Boston Celtics, KCP put up five points and three rebounds on 26.1% from downtown. The Magic have moved on from KCP with the acquisition of Bane and hope to be contenders in the East.