The Orlando Magic made one of the most aggressive moves of the NBA offseason Sunday, acquiring sharpshooting guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in a blockbuster trade that sends a clear signal: the Magic are officially in win-now mode.
Orlando sent Memphis a massive haul in return, headlined by veterans Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks—including the No. 16 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft—and a 2029 first-round pick swap (top-two protected). The Magic’s draft package includes their own 2026 first-round selection (with swap rights between the Suns and Wizards), as well as unprotected picks in 2028 and 2030.
Bane, 26, represents a major offensive upgrade for a Magic team that finished dead last in the NBA in 3-point field goal percentage (31.8%) during the 2024-25 season. In fact, their mark was the worst by any NBA team since the 2015-16 Los Angeles Lakers. The Magic also ranked last in catch-and-shoot 3-point efficiency—an area in which Bane thrives.
Since entering the league in 2020, Bane is one of only three players with 800+ made 3-pointers while shooting at least 40% from deep. His 43.2% catch-and-shoot accuracy over the past five seasons ranks third in the NBA among players with at least 1,000 such attempts, per ESPN Research.
“This is a major swing for us,” said Magic president Jeff Weltman in a statement. “We believe Desmond Bane is the perfect complement to our core and the kind of elite shooter and competitor who can elevate us into true contention.”
Bane joins a rising Orlando core featuring Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, forming a potent mix of size, skill, and now, perimeter firepower. Bane is under contract through the 2028-29 season after signing a five-year, $197 million extension with Memphis last year.
He averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 69 games this past season and has career averages of 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
For the Grizzlies, the move represents a seismic shift in direction as the franchise seeks to retool around superstar guard Ja Morant. By acquiring Caldwell-Pope—one of the league’s premier 3-and-D wings—and backcourt playmaker Cole Anthony, Memphis adds immediate veteran depth. But the real prize is the war chest of draft picks that gives Memphis long-term flexibility and the assets to pursue additional stars down the line.
Caldwell-Pope, a two-time NBA champion and renowned perimeter defender, provides Memphis with championship experience and a defensive presence the team lacked last season. Anthony, 24, offers scoring and playmaking off the bench and could thrive in a bigger role.
“This trade was about balancing our present and future,” said Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman. “We gained a proven veteran, a talented young guard, and positioned ourselves with elite draft capital for years to come.”
The deal is not without risk for Orlando, who have now significantly depleted their future draft flexibility. However, with a young, improving core and now a lethal outside shooter in Bane, the Magic appear ready to climb the Eastern Conference hierarchy.
After returning to the playoffs this season and bowing out in the first round, Orlando’s front office is betting that Bane’s floor-spacing and playoff-caliber scoring can help propel them to the next tier.
If he delivers, this could be the trade that changes the course of Magic history.
