While the NBA Finals are still underway, the offseason trade period has already begun. A significant early move saw the Memphis Grizzlies send guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for several players and future draft considerations. This trade is expected to trigger further activity this summer, with rumors circulating around prominent players like Kevin Durant. Here is an analysis of this initial major transaction.
Desmond Bane to Magic in multiplayer, multipick deal
Trade Details:
The Orlando Magic acquired G Desmond Bane.
The Memphis Grizzlies received G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G Cole Anthony, a 2025 first-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick swap (based on Phoenix/Washington), a 2028 first-round pick, a 2029 first-round pick swap, and a 2030 first-round pick.
Orlando Magic Grade: C+
This trade, involving a substantial number of draft picks for a player who hasn`t made an All-Star team, draws parallels to the Knicks` acquisition of Mikal Bridges. Views differ on whether this constitutes an overpayment. Bridges` impact on the Knicks has been evaluated differently from outside observers versus within the organization. For Orlando, the motivation is clearly to break a lengthy streak without playoff series victories. The current landscape in the Eastern Conference, with potential vulnerability among top teams, presents an opportunity.
Bane, turning 27 soon, aligns with the age profile of Orlando`s key young players (Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner). Crucially, his proven shooting ability addresses the Magic`s significant weakness (lowest 3P% in the league). Bane also offers valuable secondary playmaking. The team`s playoff prospects hinge on Jalen Suggs` health and continued improvement from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, particularly Wagner`s shooting.
Financial implications are significant; the Magic anticipate potential luxury tax issues soon and will face tough roster decisions as their young core becomes eligible for extensions, especially Banchero`s likely max deal. Bane`s contract, unlike Bridges`, is not considered below market value. Orlando is relying on improved team chemistry and player development to justify the cost of this trade.
Memphis Grizzlies Grade: B
This trade`s context for Memphis differs from Brooklyn`s motivation in the Bridges deal. Memphis isn`t simply rebuilding after missing the playoffs; they were recently a contender whose performance dipped due to Ja Morant`s suspensions and other issues. Bane was not the reason for their struggles. Trading him breaks up the core alongside Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. While this move adds depth with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (providing defensive strength) and Cole Anthony (offering guard depth behind Morant), it highlights the team`s ongoing need for elite talent.
Further roster moves are likely, possibly aimed at creating cap flexibility to negotiate a long-term extension for Jackson. The draft capital acquired is valuable, including a higher pick in the upcoming draft and improved potential outcomes for future picks via swaps, potentially securing a lottery pick in 2026. Despite these assets, the team`s ultimate ceiling remains tied to Ja Morant`s ability to return to star-level play consistently. Until then, Memphis might primarily be optimizing its roster around Jackson rather than competing for a title.
