The Orlando Magic have bolstered their backcourt for next season by trading for Desmond Bane. The deal was sealed by the Memphis Grizzlies and the Magic as the offseason throws up some controversial and surprising trades in the NBA. Like a kid in a candy shop, Bane will have some of the best young players in front of him in Orlando. His scoring ability and defensive prowess are reminiscent of a young Allen Iverson. How will Desmond Bane fit into a roster in Orlando, where the average age is 25?
The Orlando Magic are aiming to compete at the highest level in the East
The Magic have been in somewhat of a limbo in recent years. In a basketball crazy state like Florida, the Magic have legions of fans thanks to close relationships with several NBA stars that have played in Orlando over the years, like Shaquille O’Neal. Now the Magic are seeing the results of their considered approach to the NBA, as they now have a strong squad that can compete with the best teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Eastern Conference has become incredibly open for new challengers to the success that the Celtics and Pacers have had in the past few seasons. The West has emerged as the most competitive conference, as they have several top-tier teams such as the Champions, OKC, and the Lakers, just to name a few. The East was up until recently, dominated by the Miami Heat, who have been replaced as potential title contenders by the New York Knicks.
Desmond Bane is seen as a perfect fit by the Orlando Magic
Bane is a tremendous player. His shooting skills are remarkable as he averaged over 19 points per game in each of the last three seasons. He is also a consistent shooter and has knocked down 41.0 percent of his shots over the course of his career from 3-point range. He fills a noticeable gap in the Magic’s lineup and represents President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman’s new win-now approach.
The Orlando Magic were able to work out a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies that works like this:
Orlando Magic receive:
- Desmond Bane
Memphis Grizzlies receive:
- Cole Anthony
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- first round draft pick in 2025 (16th overall)
- first round draft pick in 2026 (which includes swap rights from either Phoenix or Washington)
- First-round draft pick in 2028
- Swap rights to a first-round draft pick in 2029 (top two protected)
- First-round draft pick in 2030
In a crazy offseason that has been dominated by the whirlwind of trades taking place, the move is a positive step for the Magic. Orlando’s President of Basketball Operations, Jeff Weltman, had the following to say regarding the Bane trade:
“We are very thrilled to welcome Desmond to the Orlando Magic family. Over his five years in the NBA, Desmond has distinguished himself as one of the elite guards in our league, and we look forward to his shooting, IQ, and wide-ranging skill set in helping our team take a step forward. Desmond’s character is held in high regard across the league, and we believe he will fit seamlessly with our existing players both on and off the court.”
How will the Magic fare against the likes of the New York Knicks next season
With the NBA confirming the salary cap for the 2025-26 season and the moratorium coming to an end, more trades are reportedly coming. The forecast for the 2025-26 season is one of rain. Desmond Bane will be raining down threes for the Magic next season, which can hopefully propel them into the stratosphere of NBA glory. Have the Orlando Magic finally cracked the code and built a roster capable of competing in an open Eastern Conference? We will all be glued to our seats once the season kicks off.
