NBA TRADE: Memphis Ships Desmond Bane to Orlando

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to move on from their intact core after dealing guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic confirmed on June 16, 2025.

Bane, who has spent his entire five-year NBA tenure with the Grizzlies, will now play in the Eastern Conference for the first time. To proceed with the transaction, Orlando gave up Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four unprotected first-round picks.

When the 2025 NBA Draft kicks off, the Memphis organization will have the luxury of having the 16th overall pick as well as a first-round pick swap.

Before leaving the team that drafted him in the NBA, Bane averaged 19. 2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game during the recently concluded regular season.

Bane also became Memphis’ point of attack when Ja Morant went down in their first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder and tallied 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists during that playoff showdown.

“Over his five years in the NBA, Desmond has distinguished himself as one of the elite guards in our league, and we look forward to his shooting, IQ and wide-ranging skill set in helping our team take a step forward,” wrote Orlando in an official statement.

Known as a physical two-way guard who helped revive Memphis’ post-season journey together with Morant and Jarren Jackson Jr., Bane’s addition to the Magic will help them gain another offensive option behind Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Last season, Orlando’s playoff campaign was quickly halted by the Boston Celtics in the first round, and they are looking to add more pieces to fortify their roster for in another attempt to push deeper into the postseason.

This is the first major off-season signing in the NBA, as the Finals series between OKC and the Indiana Pacers are still ongoing with the matchup equalized at 2-all.

“Desmond’s character is held in high regard across the league and we believe he will fit seamlessly with our existing players both on and off the court,” Orlando added.