Desmond Bane admitted to feeling a wave of uncertainty when Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman called to deliver the news.
Speaking with the media, Bane said, via Orlando Sentinel, “Before he told me where I was going, my heart sank, just because there’s 29 other teams outside of the Grizzlies that I could have ended up on.”
On June 15, the Grizzlies traded Bane to the Orlando Magic in a multi-asset deal. In return, Memphis received Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks — including the 16th overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft — and a 2029 first-round pick swap.
Once he heard it was Orlando, Bane’s apprehension turned to optimism.
“Once he said Orlando, I was smiling through the phone,” Bane said. “I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful like I was moving on from Memphis that fast, but I was genuinely excited about the new opportunity.”
The 26-year-old guard departs Memphis after five seasons. He averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in 69 appearances during the 2024–25 regular season, while shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from three.
Bane played a key role in helping the Grizzlies secure a 48–34 record and earn the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Despite a strong regular season, he struggled in the playoffs, shooting just 31.7% overall and 21.9% from deep across four games.
His move to the Magic places him on a team that finished 41–41, clinching the No. 7 seed in the East. Orlando was eliminated in the first round, but enters the offseason with a young core and increased expectations.
Bane joins a backcourt that includes Anthony Black and Jalen Suggs, and will likely be looked to for leadership and scoring. At 6-foot-5 and with a career average of 16.8 points per game, he adds a dependable perimeter threat to a team that ranked 28th in offensive rating last season.
For Memphis, the trade signals a retooling phase centered around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. The addition of future draft capital gives the franchise long-term flexibility while maintaining depth through Anthony and Caldwell-Pope.
