The NBA offseason is quickly approaching, and the trade market is already active. The trade period appears poised to unfold rapidly this summer.
A significant move occurred recently when the Memphis Grizzlies reportedly agreed to send guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four future first-round draft picks, and a future pick swap.
This trade has potentially opened the door for more major transactions. Phoenix forward Kevin Durant, who has been the subject of trade speculation for some time, could be the next prominent player to change teams.
As we anticipate further deals, here is a breakdown and analysis of the initial major trade.
Desmond Bane Traded to Magic in Multilayered Deal
Details of the trade:
Orlando Magic acquire:
Guard Desmond Bane
Memphis Grizzlies acquire:
Guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Guard Cole Anthony
2025 first-round draft pick
2026 first-round draft pick (swap rights from Phoenix or Washington)
2028 first-round draft pick
2029 first-round draft pick swap
2030 first-round draft pick
Orlando`s Grade: C+
This transaction, coming at the outset of the trade season, draws parallels to the New York Knicks` acquisition of Mikal Bridges last year for a substantial package of five first-round picks and a swap. Both deals involve giving up considerable draft capital for a player who hasn`t yet achieved All-Star status and may not in the future.
Viewed from the outside, this deal appears to be an overpayment a year later. While Bridges provided necessary secondary offense for the Knicks, he wasn`t a standout defender. The Knicks` subsequent struggles and coaching change, despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, might make their trade look less appealing in retrospect. However, for a team like the Magic, simply reaching the conference finals after a long drought likely looks like a major success.
Orlando, which last won a playoff series in 2010, is eager to break its dry spell. Their recent disappointing first-round exit highlighted the need for change. The perceived power vacuum in the Eastern Conference, with uncertainties surrounding top teams, might have motivated the Magic to make a bold move now.
The key question is whether Bane is the player to elevate Orlando into contention. He fits well with their young core`s timeline (Banchero, Suggs, Wagner). His shooting ability is a crucial addition for a Magic team that struggled significantly from three-point range last season, particularly in the playoffs. Bane`s scoring and developing playmaking, especially in pick-and-roll situations, also complement the Magic`s existing ball-handling threats.
Before the rest of the offseason unfolds, Orlando could be positioned as a top-tier team in the East, potentially behind only a few other contenders and possibly ahead of teams facing roster changes. Their playoff success will heavily depend on the health of players like Suggs and the continued development and offensive efficiency of Banchero and Wagner, particularly improving Wagner`s three-point shooting.
Internal improvement is vital, as this trade likely represents Orlando`s most significant move via trade for some time. The team faces potential luxury tax concerns soon, necessitating roster adjustments to accommodate the trade under salary cap rules. The financial pressure will increase further when Banchero`s next contract begins, likely a maximum extension given his early success. This will result in multiple players earning significant salaries, forcing difficult roster decisions down the line.
Longer term, rising salary caps from new TV deals could offer some financial flexibility. However, the immediate financial outlook is a primary reason for skepticism regarding the Magic`s decision to trade most of their available first-round picks. Unlike Bridges, who was acquired by the Knicks on a relatively team-friendly contract, Bane`s contract is reasonable but not a significant bargain. Orlando is betting heavily on fit and internal growth to validate this substantial investment.
Memphis`s Grade: B
The comparison to the Bridges trade doesn`t fully apply to the Grizzlies` side. While the Nets moved Bridges at peak value for a rebuild, Memphis`s direction is less clear. It`s surprising to see the core of Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Ja Morant broken up, a group that achieved significant regular-season success and the franchise`s only playoff series win since 2015.
Bane was not the primary issue for the Grizzlies. The team`s performance has been impacted by Morant`s suspensions and the lack of depth in recent years, despite Jackson`s All-Star selection. No Grizzlies player has made an All-NBA team since Morant in 2021-22.
If Memphis concluded this core wasn`t sufficient, restructuring around Jackson by adding three extra first-round picks (plus one to replace this year`s pick previously traded) makes some strategic sense. However, trading Bane also highlights the team`s ongoing need for elite talent.
In the short term, Memphis should improve its depth. Caldwell-Pope, despite a shooting dip in Orlando, is a strong defender and should enhance the Grizzlies` perimeter defense. Anthony provides another ball-handling option behind Morant and Scotty Pippen Jr. After a couple of less efficient seasons, Anthony is likely due for improved performance.
Another move is probable for Memphis, as this trade added to their future salary commitments. The Grizzlies seemed focused on creating cap space, potentially to renegotiate and extend Jackson`s contract, which is the only realistic way to secure him long-term after he missed All-NBA eligibility. Moving John Konchar`s salary would help create the necessary cap room to increase Jackson`s contract and offer a max extension.
The draft picks acquired by Memphis have reasonable upside. They received a higher pick this year (No. 16) than the Nets did in the Bridges trade and improved their positioning for next year`s Phoenix Suns pick swap. The Grizzlies now move up, potentially getting a higher pick if Orlando and the Phoenix/Washington combination perform poorly. If both the Suns and Wizards miss the playoffs, Memphis could gain a 2026 lottery pick from this transaction.
Ultimately, these moves don`t fully address Memphis`s main challenge: establishing top-tier star power. Until Morant consistently performs at an elite level, the Grizzlies may continue to make incremental changes until his contract expires in 2028.
