The Memphis Grizzlies delivered the first blockbuster move even before the end of the 2024-25 season as they traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic.
He has been an integral part of the Memphis Grizzlies roster, but as part of the Bane trade, the team was able to bring in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first round picks and a pick swap from the Orlando Magic.
The Grizzlies made it to the playoffs, but were swept by the OKC Thunder in the first round itself.
Desmond Bane averaged only 15.3 PPG, shooting 31% from the field and 21.9% from three-point range.
Many NBA experts have given their take on the trade, including Chris Vernon.
Vernon is a co-host of ‘The Mismatch,’ a podcast of the Ringer and is a Grizzlies expert.
He stated Bane was a great fit with the Magic’s young stars and it also made sense for them to make the move due to the number of picks they had.
Vernon tweeted: “I love Desmond Bane. He will be awesome in Orlando and Magic fans, you will love him. Perfect fit for them.
You cannot turn down 2 rotation vet role players, 4 firsts, and a swap. That’s unbelievable return. Grizzlies have serious assets to build it out around Ja/ Jaren.”
Bane’s stellar performance with the Grizzlies helped him get a five-year $207 million contract last year.
At that time, it was debatable if he deserved to be awarded with that big a contract, but the Grizzlies were confident in his abilities.
The 26-year-old is a brilliant three-point shooter and has shot 41% from beyond the arc in his career.
After starting off his career as just a role player, Bane’s importance grew in Memphis due to his ability to score and defend.
Ja Morant was the star on the team, but in his absence it was Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. who kept the team competitive.
With the Magic, Bane will bring the three-point shooting that they really need as the team finished bottom of the league in terms of shooting from beyond the arc.
He will also add a lot of fire to their young team, and unlock the potential of players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
