NBA Notes: Magic, Desmond Bane, Timberwolves, Johnny Juzang, Wizards

Magic

The Magic went all-in on offense this summer, landing Desmond Bane in a blockbuster deal that sent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and four unprotected first-round picks to Memphis. Paolo Banchero says the move is exactly what Orlando needed.

“It’s a great fit for who we are as a team,” Banchero told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. “He adds what we’re missing, and he also adds to what we already have.

“We don’t have anybody who can make shots like him or create off the dribble the way he does. He’s built like a tank and fits what we do perfectly.”

Bane, who was traded on Father’s Day, said he was caught off guard when Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman FaceTimed to deliver the news. Still, he called the split “all love” and said he’s eager to start fresh in Orlando.

“I feel like we never really got to see our core healthy for a full season in Memphis,” Bane said. “But you can only wait so long. I’m happy to be here.”

The Magic hope his arrival helps them take the next step from intriguing young playoff team to legitimate Eastern Conference contender.

Timberwolves

Johnny Juzang is shooting his way into the Timberwolves’ plans, as relayed by Jon Krawczinski of The Athletic.

Signed to a camp deal last month, the former UCLA star hit six of eight threes and scored 20 points in just 14 minutes during Tuesday’s preseason loss to Indiana.

That followed a strong opener against Denver, and his hot streak has already turned heads inside Minnesota’s facility.

“He can really shoot it,” teammate Bones Hyland said. “God-given talent.”

Coach Chris Finch agreed, noting that Juzang’s quick release and awareness make him valuable even off the bench.

“He doesn’t need a lot of time or space to get his shot off,” Finch said. “He’s got experience, knows how to play, and shooting never goes out of style.”

With one roster spot still open, Juzang could follow in the footsteps of Luka Garza, who earned a contract two years ago after a strong camp.

For players fighting to stay in the league, every preseason minute matters — and Juzang is making his count.

Wizards

The Wizards’ rebuild remains in full teardown mode, and it may be another long year in the nation’s capital.

John Hollinger of The Athletic projects Washington to finish with the NBA’s worst record at 16-66, keeping them in range to retain their top-eight protected first-round pick owed to the Knicks.

Team president Michael Winger and GM Will Dawkins have been upfront about the slow, deliberate rebuild since taking over in 2023.

Veterans such as CJ McCollum, Khris Middleton, and Corey Kispert could all be moved for draft capital before season’s end, with younger players and future assets the clear priority.

Hollinger wrote that the Wizards are “finally doing it the right way” after years of chasing the eighth seed.

The message to fans remains the same: patience. The results won’t show up in the standings yet, but the hope is that the foundation being built now will finally stick.