Magic gets the bane from the Grizzlies for Caldwell – Pope, Anthony, 4 first-round picks – Basketball insider
The Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and four first-round draft picks.
Memphis now adds first-round draft capital, including this year’s Orlando draft picks, next year’s 2028 and 2030. The 2026 draft picks include swaps with the Washington Wizards or Phoenix Suns. The Grizzlies will also have the right to exchange draft picks in 2029, although it is protected by the first two.
The Magic’s selection this year is the 16th overall choice.
“We are delighted to welcome Desmond to the Orlando Magic Family,” said Magic President Jeff Weltman. “Desmond has been one of the elite guards in our league during his five years in the NBA. We look forward to his shooting, IQ and a wide range of skills to help our team take a step forward.
“Desmond’s character is highly valued throughout the league and we believe he will fit seamlessly with our current players on and off the court.”
In 69 games this season, Bain averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals. He shot 48.4% from the field, with 39.2% of his offense. He also received 89.4% of free throws.
Bain is suitable for magic
In just one week, Bane and the right members of Orlando appear seamless on paper. The Magic have been desperate for three-point shooters, and Bane offers spades. His career has ranged from 41.0% from three-point shooting, with 6.3 attempts per game. Expect these attempts to go next season.
Bane also has solid mid-range and downhill gameplay, which helps wheels lubricate magical offense. Defensively, Bain is considered a reinforced racing man, and next to Jalen Suggs is a daunting defensive backfield.
The starting lineup including Suggs, Bane, Wagner and Banchero are undoubtedly the bragging players in the East next season. The team apparently sensed opportunity in Jayson Tatum and the Milwaukee Bucks without Damian Lillard. The knee status of the Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid also surfaced.
With the new cream of the Indiana Pacers, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, Orlando’s new starting lineup will have a chance to feel a chance.
Some people would say too much has been surrendered, but there is another reason for surrendering so many capital drafts. The reason is to compensate Memphis for signing Caldwell-Pope contract. Now, this is considered a bad contract, owed $21.6 million next season at the age of 32 and is the same number of player options in a year.
With 4.3 3-point attempts per game, Caldwell Pope shot just 34.2% from the field.
Where does the Grizzlies go from here?
This deal puts Memphis in an interesting position. With the acquisition of the Draft Capital and the young works of young Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey, it is possible to wonder if this is the beginning of the franchise hub.
Both Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are 25 years old, but it is almost certain that the current No. 8 seed team is worse.
Over the next three seasons, the team’s star point guard owed him nearly $127 million. He is eligible for a two-year extension this summer for $125 million. Jackson Jr. will earn $23.4 million next season and qualify for a four-year extension worth $147 million.
Are these contracts want to pay for teams that may struggle to compete for the playoffs?
The situation in Memphis may be in a hurry to change.
