The Orlando Magic are going backward, not forward.
After a losing a hard-fought, 7 game series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024, the Magic were eliminated in 5 at the hands of the Boston Celtics this season.
They were missing a few players, most notably Jalen Suggs, but even at full strength Orlando has struggled to enter the top tier of teams in the Eastern Conference.
What’s the next step to elevate the team? The Magic have a good core in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but they could find the missing piece in a trade.
CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn suggested an interest target: Desmond Bane.
The Grizzlies’ star matches Orlando’s timeline and could be the perfect 3-and-D option to replace an aging Kentavious Caldewell-Pope.
He’s old enough at 26 to win now but young enough to grow with this group,” Quinn wrote. “Great shooter, serviceable creator, not especially high-usage relative to his peer group.”
Bane is on a 5-year, $207 million contract he signed in 2023. He’s locked into that deal until 2028-29.
Orlando ranked 30th in 3-point percentage last season and Bane, who shot 39% from 3, could go a long way in resolving that issue.
He’s also a capable defender who could switch on four, maybe all five positions on the floor.
After the Grizzlies failed to make it out of the play-in tournament, would they be willing to part with Bane?
Potential Desmond Bane trade
Orlando Magic receive:
Memphis Grizzlies receive:
- Anthony Black
- Jonathan Isaac
- 2027 first-round pick
- 2028 first-round pick
The Grizzlies could be motivated to do this trade if they want to rebuild. If Ja Morant has reached the end of his leash, Memphis could execute a fire sale.
They could acquire Black as a piece for the future and the two firsts would go a long way. Isaac would be there to match salaries and as a potential long shot to become a good player down the road.
Desmond Bane’s journey to a max contract:
High School:
• 0-star recruit.
• Averaged 30 points a game at a small Catholic school in Indiana.
• Spent his entire senior season of high school uncommitted to a college.
• Commits to TCU over Miami (OH) in May of his senior… pic.twitter.com/R2ejEJPm53— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) July 2, 2023
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The Magic would be able to find a backcourt partner for Suggs and add another proven playoff scorer.
Whether it’s Bane, or other names like Anfernee Simons or Bradley Beal, Orlando needs to find a solution or forever be stuck in purgatory.
