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New York Times
an hour ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Desmond Bane trade shows Magic's days of playing it safe are over
After its titanic roster teardown at the 2021 NBA trade deadline, the Orlando Magic front office earned a reputation around the league as risk-averse. Magic officials built the nucleus of their roster through the draft, adding Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. Orlando made a few trades here and there, none of them franchise-altering. Advertisement But rival teams cannot call the Magic apprehensive anymore, not after what they did on Sunday. Orlando traded for hard-nosed, floor-spacing wing Desmond Bane by sending four future first-round picks, a lightly protected 2029 first-round pick swap, veteran wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and guard Cole Anthony to Memphis. It wasn't quite an 'all-in' move, but it sure is close to one. Bane should be a significant upgrade offensively over Caldwell-Pope, who did not provide the floor-spacing or scoring that the Magic had hoped for when they signed him last summer to a three-year, $66 million deal. Anthony, an aggressive scorer, had fallen out of the Magic's playing rotation at times during the 2024-25 season because of his inefficiency on offense and his deficiencies as a defender. Bane is a 41 percent career 3-point shooter who, in his five prior seasons, never shot worse than 38.1 percent from deep in a season. For the Magic, who finished last in the NBA this season in 3-point makes and last in 3-point shooting percentage, Bane's arrival should bring a welcome improvement. He slots behind Banchero and Wagner as Orlando's third-best scoring option — a role he should have no problem filling given how he complemented Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis. Bane can also serve at times as a primary ballhandler on a team that lacked a traditional point guard last season, other than 33-year-old journeyman Cory Joseph. So, where's the risk, you ask? The risk is sending out so many draft picks and adding Bane's significant annual salaries to a Magic cap sheet that, in the age of the punitive first and second aprons, is getting dangerously top-heavy. Bane is under contract for four more full years, through the 2028-29 season. That's the good news from Orlando's perspective: The team won't have to worry about losing him in free agency anytime soon. The bad news is that his salary will escalate from $36.7 million in 2025-26 to $44.9 million in 2028-29. Those high salaries wouldn't be a problem on a team with little additional talent, but they are a concern for the Magic, who already have significant long-term commitments to Wagner and Suggs on the books and almost certainly will agree this offseason with Banchero on a maximum-salary extension that will begin with the 2026-27 season. With the aprons threatening, the Magic front office will be hard-pressed to maintain its roster depth for the long term. Without jettisoning salary in an additional move, or moves, it's now more difficult to envision Orlando making any big move with the midlevel exception this summer. And that, too, is a worry. As awful as Orlando's 3-point shooting was last season, it's unrealistic to think that only one roster addition, even if it's Bane, will provide enough improvement to help it approach a league-average percentage from long range. Advertisement Also worrisome: trading away so many future first-round picks. In the deal for Bane, the Magic traded the 16th overall pick in this year's draft, a first-round pick in 2026 (including swap rights from either Phoenix or Washington), a first-round pick in 2028, a first-round pick in 2030 and swap rights (top-two protected) in 2029. Magic officials appear to think that a fully healthy roster will be a top-five team in the East through the end of the decade, which, in turn, likely would mean that those outgoing picks to the Grizzlies will land anywhere from 20th to 30th overall most of the time. I tend to think that the value of the on-court production from late first-round picks tends to be overstated. (Of course, you can pick holes in my argument. Just look at the final 10 picks of the 2020 draft's first round; those selections yielded Tyrese Maxey at No. 21, Immanuel Quickley at No. 25, Payton Pritchard at No. 26, Jaden McDaniels at No. 28 and Bane at No. 30.) But, as others have noted, those outgoing picks potentially would have had significant value down the road as the grist for major trades. Simply put, by sending out four first-round picks now, plus a pick swap in 2029, the Magic have made it more difficult for themselves to swing their next blockbuster trade when they identify an additional major roster need down the road. When Orlando inevitably finds itself with a cap crunch or with a roster deficiency, the front office will have to find creative ways to work itself out of salary hell. The long-term impact of the aprons is not yet known for certain, given how new the current CBA is, but other teams have navigated similar constraints in the short term. Last summer, the New York Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade similar to Sunday's Magic-Grizzlies trade. The Knicks sent the Nets four unprotected first-round picks, a 2028 pick swap and a 2025 top-four protected first-round pick via the Bucks and three players. Advertisement A few months later, the Knicks completed a three-team deal that included sending Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop and a 2025 first-round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns. A difference is that the Knicks are the largest of large-market teams, while the Magic are, at best, a midsized-market team. And keep in mind that Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' best player, wound up taking less money by extending his deal during the 2024 offseason instead of this offseason; those savings should help the Knicks avoid the second apron in 2025-26. For now, the Magic are happy that they did not have to part with 21-year-old guard Anthony Black, who was the sixth pick in the 2023 draft, or with 24-year-old Tristan da Silva, the 18th pick in last year's draft. Although Orlando gave up the 16th overall pick this year, it retained the 25th pick, which it acquired from Denver as part of the 2021 Aaron Gordon trade. Magic officials are also delighted to add Bane, who brings a toughness similar to what Banchero, Wagner and Suggs already offer. Ahead of the 2020 draft, in the height of the pandemic, Magic officials interviewed Bane over a video call and came away raving about his smarts and attitude. But the Magic wound up selecting Anthony at No. 15. Now, five years later, Orlando has added Bane to its roster. To do so, the Magic had to accept a significant amount of risk. (Top photo of Desmond Bane: Chris Day / The Commercial Appeal / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Magic Make Desmond Bane Announcement After Trade With Grizzlies
Magic Make Desmond Bane Announcement After Trade With Grizzlies originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Orlando Magic stumbled through a roller-coaster 2024–25 regular season, finishing 41–41 and claiming the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, a record forged despite midseason injuries to key rotation players, such as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Advertisement In the first round, Boston asserted its authority with a commanding 103–86 victory at TD Garden in Game 1 and never looked back, closing out Orlando in five games and exposing the Magic's need for a proven secondary scorer capable of lifting the team in high-pressure moments. Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22)Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images A few weeks later, the Orlando Magic acquired sharpshooting guard Desmond Bane, 26, from the Memphis Grizzlies in a massive deal. In exchange, Orlando sent veteran shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks (the 2025 No. 16 overall, 2026 via Phoenix, 2028 and 2030) and a 2029 first-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies. Moments after the trade was official, the Orlando Magic unveiled Bane's new jersey number. Advertisement 'Desmond Bane will wear #3' Bane spent his first five NBA seasons in Memphis, where he wore No. 22 and emerged as one of the league's most efficient two-way wings. A 2020 first-round pick out of Texas Christian University, he developed into a reliable perimeter threat and versatile defender, helping power the Grizzlies to three playoff appearances. Across five seasons and 313 regular-season games, Bane averaged 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per contest while shooting 47.2 percent from the field, 41.0 percent from three and 89.4 percent at the free-throw line. In 2024–25, he raised his production to 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals over 69 games—career highs that showcased his two-way growth. Advertisement Desmond Bane's new number marks the beginning of what both he and the Magic hope will be a championship pursuit. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Magic Trade for $197 Million Star, Swap Underperforming $66 Million Vet Plus Haul
Magic Trade for $197 Million Star, Swap Underperforming $66 Million Vet Plus Haul originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Orlando Magic were coming into the offseason thinking of ways they could get better. For the past two seasons, they've made the playoffs but have been eliminated in the first round. Going forward, it's obvious they want things to change. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the two stars on the team, and they've been doing all they can to lead the Magic to the postseason for two straight years. Advertisement In order to compete in the Eastern Conference, the Magic knew they would have to improve their roster, and if that meant making a trade, then it seemed like they'd be ready to do it. Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope looks to pass the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane Thomas-Imagn Images Well, look no further, because that's what they did on Sunday morning, acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies. "BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap, sources tell ESPN," Shams Charania wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The Magic now have another solid starter on the team, as Bane can shoot, defend and make plays for others on the court. Bane averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 69 games this season Advertisement For the Grizzlies, they get two key role players that can help them compete in the Western Conference and four draft picks. Bane is still playing on a five-year, $197 million contract, and the Magic did what they had to do to acquire the star. It seemed as if whatever deal they were going to make for somebody, Caldwell-Pope would be involved, as he's making $66 million on his three-year deal. Related: WNBA Altercation Reveals Satou Sabally, DiJonai Carrington Separated Amid Drama This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Magic Facing Backlash for Blockbuster Desmond Bane Trade
Magic Facing Backlash for Blockbuster Desmond Bane Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Orlando Magic are one of the young teams in the league, and they've been able to see improvements in the past two seasons. They've made the postseason both years, but have also been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Coming into the offseason, Magic president Jeff Weltman let it know that he was ready for the team to take the next step, and if that meant shaking things up on the roster, that's what he would do. Advertisement So far, Weltman has kept his word, and on Sunday morning, the Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks and a pick swap. Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane dribbles around a screen set by forward Brandon Clarke (15) on Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4).Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Though it seemed like a good trade for the Magic, some people can't believe that they gave up that much to acquire Bane. "Luka only got one first-round pick," one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Why would they trade that for bane," another user wrote. "Giannis literally is not tradable if thats what Bane costs," a third user wrote. On the other hand, there were some people that understood why the Magic made the trade. Advertisement "Most 'first-round picks' aren't all that valuable. Outside the top 10, you're drafting role players for the most part. Want to win now? Trade those picks to teams who over value non-lottery firsts to get real talent. You can always backfill those spots with win-now guys," a user wrote. If Bane ends up being a great fit for the Magic and they make a deep playoff run, the trade will be justified. If the Magic fail to exceed expectations, a lot of people will look at the trade as an overpay. Related: Magic Trade for $197 Million Star, Swap Underperforming $66 Million Vet Plus Haul This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Japan Times
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Japan Times
Magic acquire Desmond Bane in blockbuster trade with Grizzlies
The Orlando Magic are acquiring guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in a blockbuster deal, ESPN reported Sunday. In return, Memphis will receive guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap, per the report. Bane, 26, was the No. 30 overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft and spent five seasons with the Grizzlies. He has career averages of 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists over 29.6 minutes per game. In 2024-25, he exceeded those numbers with 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He shot 39.2 percent from 3-point-territory. A 6-foot-5 shooting guard, Bane has faced injury woes the past three seasons, limited to just 58 games in 2022-23, followed by seasons with 42 and 69 games. Caldwell-Pope, 32, will provide veteran leadership for the Grizzlies. Now 32, he was selected No. 8 overall in the 2013 draft and has two NBA titles on his resume, playing for the Detroit Pistons (2013-17), Los Angeles Lakers (2017-21), Washington Wizards (2021-22), Denver Nuggets (2022-24) and Magic. He has career averages of 11.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 912 games. In 2024, those numbers were 8.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 77 games. Anthony, 25, was taken by Orlando with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 draft. In five seasons and 320 games with the Magic, he has averages of 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Bane had signed a five-year, $197.2 million contract extension with the Grizzlies in July of 2023 and is under contract through the 2028-29 season.
