According to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, an executive for the Memphis Grizzlies admitted that the trade of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic had affected the franchise.
Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks (including the 16th choice in the 2025 NBA Draft), and a 2029 first-round pick swap were returned to Memphis by Orlando in a blockbuster trade that sent Bane to Memphis on June 15.
That one hurt a lot,” a member of the Grizzlies’ front office told Smith. However, we saw the need for a change after last season’s conclusion.
The package of selections plus Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was too good to pass up when negotiations with Orlando progressed. The trade ended Bane’s five-year run with the Memphis Express, during which he went from being an underappreciated rookie to an important offensive weapon.
Last season, he shot 48.4 percent from the field and nearly 39% from beyond the arc, while averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 boards, and 5.3 assists.
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
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