Introduction to the 2025 NBA Offseason
The NBA Finals is still ongoing, but the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic are already looking forward to next season.
The Blockbuster Trade
Memphis and Orlando executed the first blockbuster trade of the 2025 NBA offseason on Sunday, with Desmond Bane reportedly heading to the Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap.
Orlando is sending to Memphis the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Phoenix’s first-round pick in 2026, plus its own unprotected first-round picks in 2028 and 2030. The pick swap is lightly protected in 2029.
Details of the Trade
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news on Sunday morning.
Bane, who turns 27 later this month, will join an Orlando team that lost in the first round to the Boston Celtics, with a noticeable lack of offense holding the young roster back. He averaged 19.2 points per game for Memphis last season, shooting 41% from 3-point range over his five-year career. The Magic ranked last in 3-point percentage as a team in 2024-25 (31.8%).
Impact of the Trade
While Memphis is giving up the best player in this trade, the haul of four unprotected first-round picks is a ransom. Caldwell-Pope and Anthony have been consistent veteran guards throughout their careers, too. KCP won championships with the Los Angeles Lakers (2020) and Denver Nuggets (2023), while Anthony has been with Orlando since being drafted in 2020.
The Magic will use Bane to form a strong trio with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, especially in an Eastern Conference that will be up for grabs next season. Bane has four years and $163.2 million left on the max extension he signed with Memphis in 2023.
Conclusion
The trade between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic marks the beginning of an exciting offseason for the NBA. With the addition of Desmond Bane, the Magic are looking to strengthen their team and make a push for the playoffs next season. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are building for the future with their haul of draft picks.
FAQs
Q: Who was involved in the trade between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic?
A: Desmond Bane was traded to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and one first-round pick swap.
Q: What are the terms of Desmond Bane’s contract?
A: Bane has four years and $163.2 million left on the max extension he signed with Memphis in 2023.
Q: How will the trade affect the Orlando Magic’s chances next season?
A: The addition of Desmond Bane will strengthen the Magic’s offense and form a strong trio with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, making them a contender in the Eastern Conference.
