The Memphis Grizzlies are feeling the impact of trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, and a team executive acknowledged it in comments reported by Keith Smith of Spotrac.
On June 15, Memphis sent Bane to Orlando in a blockbuster deal that returned Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks — including the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft — and a 2029 first-round pick swap.
Speaking to Smith, a Grizzlies front office member said, “That one hurt a lot. But when we finished last season, we felt like we had to make a change. When talks advanced with Orlando, the package of picks plus Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was simply something we couldn’t pass up.”
The move ended Bane’s five-season tenure in Memphis, where he developed from a rookie role player into a key offensive weapon. He averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season while shooting 48.4% from the field and nearly 39% from three-point range.
Bane also brought consistent playoff production, highlighted by his 23.5 points per game in the 2023 postseason. However, his efficiency dipped in the 2025 playoffs, where he shot just 31.7% from the field and 21.9% from deep.
Despite acknowledging the pain of losing their standout guard, the Grizzlies executive emphasized the value of the deal’s return. “We know Desmond will be great for Orlando, but we’re excited about the flexibility this gave us, both now and for years to come,” the executive told Smith.
