Paolo Banchero on Magic’s Trade for Desmond Bane
Paolo Banchero shares his excitement about the Orlando Magic landing Desmond Bane in a blockbuster trade, reshaping their future in the Eastern Conference.
Paolo Banchero reacts to the Magic acquiring Desmond Bane in a major offseason trade. Courtesy of Orlando Magic YouTube
The Orlando Magic made one of the most significant moves in the NBA offseason before free agency even started. By acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in a blockbuster trade, the Magic sent a clear message: they are ready to take the next step towards contention in the Eastern Conference.
Paolo Banchero, the franchise’s cornerstone and 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year, greatly benefited from the addition of Bane, which not only improves shooting and scoring but also changes expectations. Banchero expressed his excitement during his appearance on The Hoop Narrative podcast.
“Man, I’m super excited. I was like, I feel like I knew we was gonna make a move after the season, but it definitely wasn’t… I definitely didn’t expect it to be Desmond Bane,” Banchero said.
Orlando’s most visible weakness is addressed in this move, and the Magic now has one of the most dynamic young trios in the league: Banchero, Franz Wagner, and now Bane.
Full Breakdown of the Trade Between the Magic and Grizzlies
The trade shook up the NBA landscape, as Orlando gave up depth and future draft capital to sign one of the top shooting guards in the game.
Magic Receive:
Desmond Bane
Grizzlies Receive:
Cole Anthony
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Yang Hansen (No. 16 overall pick, rerouted to Portland)
Three unprotected first-round picks (2026, 2028, 2030)
2029 first-round pick swap (top-two protected)
Memphis has more flexibility in its attempts to retool its roster around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. By having swap rights from either Phoenix or Washington with the 2026 pick.
Why Desmond Bane is the Perfect Fit for Orlando
The Magic’s success over the past two seasons has been attributed to defense, toughness, and versatility. Their offense has been slow to catch up. Orlando ranked:
30th in three-point shooting percentage (.318)
30th in three-pointers made per game (11.2)
28th in scoring (105.4 points per game)
The collapse of the paint by playoff opponents was made easier for Banchero and Wagner by their lack of perimeter firepower. Bane is a 40% shooter from beyond the arc, and he averaged 19.2 points per game in 2023-24.
Bane has managed to score 30 or more points in 29 of his career games and has hit eight three-pointers in one game, which is something the Magic haven’t seen in over four years. His ability to spread the floor quickly changes Orlando’s offensive identity.
Jeff Weltman on the Trade and Bane’s Impact
Magic’s basketball operations president, Jeff Weltman, praised Bane’s arrival and stressed the importance of his contributions.
“We are very thrilled to welcome Desmond to the Orlando Magic family. Over his five years in the NBA, Desmond has distinguished himself as one of the elite guards in our league, and we look forward to his shooting, IQ and wide-ranging skill set in helping our team take a step forward,” Weltman said.
Bane’s abilities extend beyond scoring to include discipline and maturity. With a career average of 88%, he ranks 19th in free throw percentage (77.5%) for a team that was ranked 19th in free throw percentage last season.
“Desmond’s character is held in high regard across the league, and we believe he will fit seamlessly with our existing players both on and off the court,” Weltman added.
Banchero and Wagner Get the Help They Needed
Banchero, who scored over 22 points per game last season, had little fear of Orlando’s outside shooting due to defenses often collapsing on him. Similar challenges were faced by Wagner. Bane’s presence is crucial for unlocking their full potential by providing the necessary spacing and scoring punch. Banchero’s enthusiasm highlights the cultural transformation in Orlando. The Magic are no longer content with being eliminated in the first round of playoffs; they are striving for more.
“I feel like this just makes us so much more dangerous,” Banchero said. “We already believed we could compete with anybody, but adding a guy like Desmond… it’s different.”
What Orlando Sacrificed in the Deal
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, as well as a couple of draft picks, were let go by the Magic.
Caldwell-Pope, a two-time NBA champion with the Lakers (2020) and Nuggets (2023), provided veteran leadership and reliability, starting 77 games last season.
Anthony, in his fifth NBA season, showed flashes of scoring ability but struggled with consistency and role stability.
The draft capital, including three unprotected first-round picks, signals Orlando’s win-now mindset.
Despite the cost, the move highlights Orlando’s belief in their young core and the urgency to compete for home court advantage in the playoffs.
Why Memphis Pulled the Trigger
The Grizzlies’ season was disappointing, as they won 48 games but were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The frustration was summed up by general manager Zach Kleiman:
“Disappointing season, a lot to sort through here. Forty-eight wins, good for an 8 seed. But who cares? It’s not good enough.”
Memphis’ desire to revamp its roster construction led to the decision to part with Bane. The franchise’s focus is on Morant and Jackson Jr., while the incoming draft assets and role players provide flexibility.
The Eastern Conference Landscape Has Shifted
Bane’s addition to Banchero and Wagner is causing a significant increase in Orlando’s ceiling. The Magic already possessed one of the NBA’s top-five defenses, preventing opponents from scoring more than 109.3 points per game. By adding Bane, they are transformed into a two-way threat capable of challenging established powers like the Celtics, Bucks, and 76ers. Orlando’s core of youth, defense, and perimeter scoring is now balanced, but the East has become increasingly competitive. This move makes them a legitimate contender, not just a team fighting for the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: Magic’s New Identity
The Orlando Magic’s identity has been largely determined by its length, defense, and physicality. With Desmond Bane in the lineup, the offense finally caught up.
Perimeter Shooting: Elite spacing for Banchero and Wagner
Scoring Versatility: A proven 20-point scorer who can create his own shot
Clutch Factor: Bane’s ability to hit tough shots and free throws in late-game situations
Defensive Commitment: A guard who contributes on both ends with 1.2 steals per game
The Magic have the potential to compete for the conference finals for the first time in a decade.
Conclusion: A New Era in Orlando Basketball
The Orlando Magic’s acquisition of Desmond Bane is a statement of intent that goes beyond a roster upgrade. With Banchero and Wagner enters their primes, and Bane providing elite shooting and leadership, Orlando’s trajectory is clear: they are building a contender in the East. Paolo Banchero’s reaction is a powerful statement. The team’s young star is aware of the potential, and now it’s time to capitalize on it for postseason success. Magic fans are seeing the end of the long rebuild.
