Magic Land Desmond Bane in Win-Now Power Move

Orlando goes all-in by trading for elite sharpshooter Desmond Bane

The Orlando Magic just sent a message to the entire Eastern Conference: they’re here to compete right now.

In a blockbuster move, the Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. This marks one of the boldest trades in recent Magic history and solidifies President Jeff Weltman’s aggressive offseason strategy.

Bane, known for his lethal shooting, becomes a crucial piece next to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. Since entering the NBA in 2020, Bane is one of just three players with 800+ made threes at a 40% clip. He’s also hit 43.2% on catch-and-shoot threes over the last five seasons—exactly the kind of spacing Orlando’s offense lacked after finishing dead last in three-point percentage this season.

The Grizzlies, meanwhile, retool by gaining a tough defensive vet in Caldwell-Pope, a promising bench guard in Anthony, and a haul of draft assets to build around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Orlando just flipped the switch from young and rising… to legit contenders.

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