In a blockbuster NBA trade that sent shockwaves through the league, the Orlando Magic have acquired shooting guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in a deal finalized on Sunday, June 15, 2025. This move signals a bold and aggressive approach by the Magic as they look to climb the ranks of the Eastern Conference and contend for a championship sooner rather than later.
The trade sees Memphis receiving shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, point guard Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round draft picks, and a first-round pick swap. Specifically, the Grizzlies gained the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a 2026 first-round pick via the Phoenix Suns with swap rights, Orlando’s own unprotected first-round selections in 2028 and 2030, and a lightly protected pick swap in 2029. This haul provides Memphis with significant assets to reshape their roster and plan for the future.
Orlando’s acquisition of Bane addresses a glaring need for reliable guard play and shooting. The Magic have struggled for years with perimeter shooting, ranking last in three-point field goal percentage (31.8%) and catch-and-shoot threes this past season, marking the worst performance in that category since the 2015-16 Los Angeles Lakers. Bane, a career 41% three-point shooter, is an elite marksman who will help open the floor for young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Over the past five seasons, Bane has made over 800 three-pointers and boasts a 43.2% catch-and-shoot three-point percentage, the third-best among players with at least 1,000 attempts, according to ESPN Research.
On the court, Bane has demonstrated impressive versatility, averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 69 games this season. Over his five-year tenure with Memphis, he has averaged 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His ability to create his own shot, rank in the 87th percentile for unassisted field goals, and play solid defense aligns well with Orlando’s defensive strengths—having finished second in defensive rating the past two seasons.
Magic president Jeff Weltman expressed enthusiasm about the signing, stating, “We are very thrilled to welcome Desmond to the Orlando Magic family. 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. 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.”
The trade also solidifies Orlando’s young core, which now features Banchero, Wagner, Bane, and guard Jalen Suggs. While Wagner’s career three-point shooting sits at 32.2%, the addition of Bane’s elite shooting and playmaking is expected to alleviate offensive pressure and create more scoring opportunities. Bane’s ability to run two-man games with Banchero or Wagner as either the initiator or screener adds new dimensions to the Magic’s offense.
However, the price for Orlando was steep. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, signed last summer to a $66 million, three-year contract, was included in the deal after a season where he shot 43.9% from the floor and 34.2% from three-point range, numbers that made his contract seem overvalued. Cole Anthony, a 25-year-old point guard averaging 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists this season, also heads to Memphis. The draft capital relinquished—four unprotected first-round picks plus a lightly protected swap—is a significant investment that underscores Orlando’s win-now mentality.
The Magic’s financial commitment to Bane is substantial as well, with the guard owed roughly $162 million over the next four seasons. Combined with the contracts of Wagner, Suggs, and the impending extension for Banchero, Orlando faces a payroll exceeding $100 million annually for these core players. This raises questions about salary cap flexibility but also highlights the franchise’s confidence in this young nucleus.
For Memphis, the trade represents a strategic pivot. The Grizzlies have long been built around the dynamic trio of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, but with Jackson’s impending contract extension and the financial constraints imposed by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, retaining all three at max-level salaries was unlikely. By moving Bane, Memphis gains flexibility and a wealth of future assets to either rebuild or retool their roster.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope brings veteran leadership and defensive prowess to Memphis, having ranked in the 83rd percentile in Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus last year and posting a 61% true shooting percentage after January 2025. Though no longer an elite three-and-D wing, Caldwell-Pope remains a valuable piece for the Grizzlies’ backcourt depth. Cole Anthony adds further depth and playmaking capabilities, providing a reliable backup guard option.
Memphis’s haul of draft picks has been compared to the kind of capital received for Mikal Bridges in a previous trade, offering the franchise considerable firepower for future moves. These picks could be leveraged to acquire additional star talent or to add promising young players, giving the Grizzlies options as they consider their next steps. Rumors swirl about potential trades involving Ja Morant, but for now, Memphis is focused on rebuilding around Morant and Jackson while maximizing their financial flexibility.
Analysts have graded the trade as a win-win. Orlando gains the shooting and playmaking it desperately needed to compete in an Eastern Conference that could be wide open next season due to injuries and roster changes among contenders like Boston, Milwaukee, and Cleveland. Memphis, meanwhile, secures veteran depth and a treasure trove of draft assets to build for the long term.
This trade marks a defining moment for both franchises. Orlando is clearly signaling its intent to accelerate its championship timeline by investing heavily in a proven shooter and playmaker. Memphis is recalibrating, prioritizing flexibility and depth while preparing for the complexities of contract negotiations and roster construction under the new CBA.
As the NBA offseason unfolds, the ripple effects of this blockbuster trade will be felt across the league. Both teams have taken calculated risks, and only time will reveal which side ultimately benefits more. For now, the Magic’s aggressive move to add Desmond Bane has injected new excitement into their roster and given fans hope for a brighter future in the Eastern Conference.
