Magic Make Statement With Trade For Desmond Bane

The Orlando Magic wasted little time setting the tone for the 2025 offseason, acquiring shooting guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in a blockbuster deal that signals a more aggressive, win-now approach, writes The Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede.

The trade sends Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four first-round picks, and a 2029 pick swap to Memphis.

The move builds on last summer’s signing of Caldwell-Pope and reinforces Orlando’s push to contend around rising stars Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner. Swapping out Caldwell-Pope for Bane, 26, gives the Magic a more dynamic offensive threat without parting with either Anthony Black or Tristan Da Silva, key pieces of the team’s young foundation.

Orlando now faces several roster decisions ahead of the June 29 deadline, including team options on Moritz Wagner, Gary Harris, Caleb Houstan, and Cory Joseph.

More from Orlando:

• The Magic are eyeing Mavericks assistant God Shammgod for a potential spot on Jamahl Mosley’s coaching staff, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Shammgod is well-regarded for his work with guards and has prior experience alongside Mosley in Dallas.

• The Bane trade carries major financial implications as well. Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron notes that while Bane is just two years into a five-year, $197 million deal, Orlando already has Suggs and Wagner on long-term contracts and will soon need to commit major money to Banchero. Gozlan points out that moving mid-sized salaries — such as Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr., or Goga Bitadze — could help the Magic avoid crossing into second-apron territory.

• Spotrac’s Keith Smith breaks down the cap picture, writing that Orlando should be able to stay below the first apron this season if it brings back Wagner and adds a minimum-salary player. But by 2026–27, the team could have over $190 million committed to just eight players, forcing tough decisions down the line.