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Desmond Bane Sends Blunt Message on Magic-Grizzlies Trade: ‘My Heart Sank’

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Malik Brown | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 6:51 PM ET

The Orlando Magic knew they needed to make some moves to take their team to another level next season. They've made progress by going to the playoffs the past two seasons, but they've been knocked out of the first round both times. Magic president Jeff Weltman let it be known that he was willing to do whatever it takes to improve the team, and he held his promise.

The Magic recently made a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire Desmond Bane. In return, the Grizzlies received Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a pick swap. This is definitely a move that will help the Magic for seasons to come, and Bane seems to be excited about his new team.

In his media availability for the first time with the Magic, he spoke about how he felt when he heard the news about the trade.

“Before he told me where I was going, my heart sank, just because there’s 29 other teams outside of the Grizzlies that I could have ended up on,” Bane said via Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. “Once he said Orlando, I was smiling through the phone. I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful like I was moving on from Memphis that fast, but I was genuinely excited about the new opportunity.”

The Magic are getting a player who was key in his role with the Grizzlies, as he was a reliable 3-point shooter, while also being a solid defender and playmaker. Those were just a few things the Magic were looking for, and they're probably not done making moves just yet.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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