Day After - Blockbuster Bane Trade Grades

The Memphis Grizzlies have struck a deal with the Orlando Magic to send Desmond Bane down to the Sunshine State. Get the details below.

Trade:

Magic get:

Desmond Bane

Grizzlies get:

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Cole Anthony

16th overall pick

3 unprotected FRPs

FRP swap

Magic- B

Getting Desmond Bane was a great IDEA for the Magic, but not necessarily the right move. He is a great fit, coming off a season averaging 19 points and 5 assists per game on nearly 40% from three and 40% from the field, he fits the Magic’ desperate need of offense. He has shown potential to be a good combo guard, which is exactly what Orlando needs to pair with Suggs in the backcourt. Another positive of this addition is he is locked up for the next 4 years, which goes locks their core down for a while. A downside of that is they are right up to the deadly 2nd apron, which puts them in a tough spot if this core doesn’t work. However, like every trade, this is not a perfect trade for the Magic. They gave 4 unprotected first round picks, including a very valuable 2026 Suns first, plus a swap. Not even mentioning good role players in KCP and Cole Anthony. They likely could have gotten a better guard than Bane for a little more than that package, such Derrick White, Trae Young, or Darius Garland. Overall, this trade puts the Magic as contenders in the ‘wide open’ Eastern Conference, and adds offense to a team that has had an elite defense but poor offense, so it’s a solid move.

Grizzlies- A

Memphis has tried the Morant-Bane backcourt for a few years at this point, and it never got them past the 2nd round. Yes it hurts to get rid of a great player like Desmond Bane, but they sold high on him and got a GREAT return. Now, they have the option of blowing it all up, selling Jaren Jackson Jr and Ja Morant to the highest bidder, or use these added assets to go get another All Star to pair with Morant and JJJ. The latter, in my opinion, would be the right move. They have a good roster and with the right addition could be contenders in the absolutely loaded Western Conference. They have a few options on who to target, but Domantas Sabonis or DeMar DeRozan from the Kings would be good pickups, or they could possibly take a swing at one of the Celtics guys, such as Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, or Kristaps Porzingis. The options are there for the Grizzlies, they just have to make the right move.

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