Magic Trade for $197 Million Star, Swap Underperforming $66 Million Vet Plus Haul originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Orlando Magic were coming into the offseason thinking of ways they could get better. For the past two seasons, they’ve made the playoffs but have been eliminated in the first round. Going forward, it’s obvious they want things to change. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the two stars on the team, and they’ve been doing all they can to lead the Magic to the postseason for two straight years.

In order to compete in the Eastern Conference, the Magic knew they would have to improve their roster, and if that meant making a trade, then it seemed like they’d be ready to do it. 

Well, look no further, because that’s what they did on Sunday morning, acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies.

“BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap, sources tell ESPN,” Shams Charania wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The Magic now have another solid starter on the team, as Bane can shoot, defend and make plays for others on the court. Bane averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 69 games this season

For the Grizzlies, they get two key role players that can help them compete in the Western Conference and four draft picks.

Bane is still playing on a five-year, $197 million contract, and the Magic did what they had to do to acquire the star. It seemed as if whatever deal they were going to make for somebody, Caldwell-Pope would be involved, as he’s making $66 million on his three-year deal.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.