The Orlando Magic front office is confident that Desmond Bane is the missing piece to solidify their young core alongside Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs.
Keith Smith of Spotrac reported a Magic executive’s comments after the trade: “It was so long ago! But we’re so excited to have him on the team now. It’s no secret we needed more shooting. Desmond will give us that. And he’s a better passer and defender than people realize too. We think that he’s a perfect fit with Paolo, Franz and Jalen as a core foursome.”
Bane arrived in Orlando on June 15 after the Magic sent Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks — including the No. 16 selection in the 2025 NBA Draft — and a 2029 pick swap to Memphis.
In the 2024–25 regular season, Bane averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range over 69 games. His career averages include 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists with a 41% mark from beyond the arc.
The Magic clearly prioritized Bane’s combination of shooting, playmaking and defense. His playoff experience, including 27 career postseason games where he averaged 16.9 points, is another asset for a team looking to make a deeper playoff push.
Bane joins Banchero, the 2023–24 Rookie of the Year runner-up Wagner, and Suggs, whose defense and energy have been a staple in Orlando’s backcourt. The front office sees Bane complementing them with floor spacing and secondary playmaking.
