What Happened
On June 15, 2025, the Orlando Magic completed a blockbuster trade to acquire shooting guard Desmond Ban from the Memphis Grizzlies. In return, Memphis received veteran guards Kentavious CaldwellPopeand Cole Anthony along with four unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2028, 2030, plus a 2026 Phoenix pick via swap rights) and a 2029 first-round pick swap
Why It Matters
- For Orlando: Bane brings elite shooting—he averaged a career 39–41% from three on high volume—and steady playmaking and defense. His arrival addresses Orlando’s league-worst 3‑point offense and adds a reliable secondary creator alongside Paolo
- For Memphis: Despite Bane’s scoring prowess—19.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.3 APG in 2024‑25—his max salary and the team’s post-break collapse made him the prime trade chip. In exchange, the Grizzlies gained a haul of draft assets and high-upside draft flexibility, plus experienced rotation depth with Caldwell‑Pope and Anthony .
Reactions & Context
- Grading the Deal: Analysts gave Memphis an A– for smart asset management, and Orlando a B+ for bold roster improvement despite the cost .
- Ja Morant: Expressed emotional gratitude and shock on social media, emphasizing the duo’s bond
- Desmond Bane: Has since taken a dig at the Grizzlies, calling their training facilities “the dungeon” in his first interviews as a new Magic player
What’s Next
- Orlando: Looks to capitalize on improved spacing and offensive efficiency. Bane’s new five-year, ~$197M contract runs through 2028‑29
- Memphis: Will use its newfound draft capital to retool around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. under coach Tuomas Iisalo’s leadership
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