Jeff Weltman breaks down Magic’s bold move for Desmond Bane

Jun 17, 2025 3:05 PM

When the Orlando Magic’s last season came to an end, team president Jeff Weltman was clear: the team had graduated from its rebuild and was prepared to take the next step.

That meant aggressively pursuing win-now pieces, and few moves send that message louder than acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies.

After finalizing the blockbuster trade, Weltman didn’t hesitate to express his enthusiasm and admiration for the 26-year-old guard.

“The guy is almost the player you would design if you could start from scratch,” Weltman said.

For a Magic team that made significant progress but lacked consistent scoring and outside shooting, the acquisition directly addresses their most glaring needs.

“Because obviously we’ve spoken a lot about our need for shooting, but we’ve also talked about play-making and adding skill,” Weltman continued. “Desmond is such a unique player because he’s one of the best shooters in the NBA, but he’s also a gifted play-maker and he generates shot-creation for himself and others. He creates advantages with and without the ball.”

Weltman’s comments highlight not only Bane’s elite shooting – nearly 40% from three-point range over his career – but also his versatility and basketball IQ.

As a combo guard, Bane adds perimeter gravity, secondary playmaking, and experience to a Magic roster stocked with young talent.

While Orlando had been laying a foundation through the draft and development, the Bane trade signals a shift: they’re no longer content with promise. Now, they’re aiming for contention.