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Boston Celtics' East rival makes aggressive Desmond Bane trade (report)
The Magic made the first big move of the offseason as they landed Desmond Bane in a trade with the Grizzlies. But the price is steep as it's an aggressive move. While the Magic land a talented player in Bane, per ESPN's Shams Charania, they sent the Grizzlies four unprotected first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony.
That's naturally a lot to give up for Bane, who spent the first five seasons of his career in Memphis. But the Magic are looking to take the next step toward being a playoff contender, so they landed the sharpshooting guard. Bane, 26, averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 69 games last season.
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Immediately, the Magic now pair the 6-foot-5 Bane with their young wing duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Bane should fit right in considering he's also a career 41.0% 3-point shooter and the Magic needed someone who could stretch the floor. Bane isn't old by any means as he enters the prime of his career, so he fits the timeline well with Orlando's core.
The Magic have been an up-and-coming team in the East, and with this trade, they're looking more dangerous going into next season. While they endured injuries this season, they finished 41-41 and got the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. Orlando has made the playoffs the past two seasons, falling in the first round both times.
While the Magic had one of the best defenses in the league, consistent offense was an issue. Bane's inclusion should fit defensively while also giving the Magic a valuable floor-spacer. The East is looking wide open going into next season with the Celtics taking a step back, so it's no surprise to see teams making significant swings.
The Grizzlies are in an interesting spot. They looked like they were going to take some steps toward being a contender themselves over the past few seasons. Plus, they went 48-34 this past season. But instead of investing further into their core of Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant, they elected to sell off a piece instead.
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Now, considering the draft assets the Grizzlies just got from Orlando, that sets them up for any future moves they could make. Still, Memphis is in a place of limbo as it also fired coach Taylor Jenkins late in the regular season. For now, the Grizzlies-Magic trade goes down as the first big domino of the offseason.
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Read the original article on MassLive.
