Orlando, FL – In the sunlit state-of-the-art Advent Health Training Center in Orlando, Desmond Bane sat confidently in front of reporters and team brass, officially introduced as the newest member of the Orlando Magic. The trade that brought the 6’5” guard from Memphis to Orlando cost the Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, guard Cole Anthony, four first-round picks—an aggressive move that signals just how serious this team is about chasing a championship.
And Bane is ready.
“It’s time to win,” Bane declared. “This is a team on the rise, and I’m here to help take it to the next level.”
A Fresh Start in the Sunshine State
Bane admitted the last few days have been a whirlwind—learning of the trade while vacationing in Florida—but said the transition feels natural. He praised the Magic organization for its welcoming culture, calling the new environment “a breath of fresh air,” and compared it favorably to his time in Memphis, even joking about the difference in facilities.
“This building is beautiful—open space, natural light. It’s a long way from the facility in Memphis. We had no windows. We called it ‘The Dungeon,” he said with a laugh. “But it’s not just about the building. It’s the people here that make it special.”
A Perfect Fit
Bane emphasized that Orlando’s identity—young, gritty, and defensively sound—mirrors his own approach to the game. He cited Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner as examples of versatile players he’s eager to line up with.
“This team has the pieces. They defend, they hustle, they care,” Bane said. “My job is to come in, lead, hit shots, and do all the little things to help us win.”
Bane also praised head coach Jamahl Mosley, saying he was drawn to Mosley’s emphasis on player empowerment. “He told me to just be myself—that gave me the ultimate confidence. He’s a cool cat, and he believes in his guys.”
Driven by Purpose
Wearing a bracelet that read “Bainville,” Bane honored his Indiana roots and the youth program he helped start, named after his late grandparents. It’s a symbol of his values: family, faith, and community—principles he plans to bring with him to Orlando both on and off the court.
“I want to be part of this city. I want to be present,” he said. “That means more than just basketball—it means connecting with people, being real.”
Eyes on the Playoffs
A veteran of several postseason runs in Memphis, Bane is determined to bring that playoff mindset to a Magic team looking to make deeper noise in the East. His philosophy? Culture starts with the process.
“How you train, how you eat, how you recover—it’s all connected to winning. You don’t just flip a switch in April,” Bane said. “You build that identity every day.”
A Championship Mentality in Orlando
With Bane’s arrival, the Magic are no longer a team simply brimming with potential—they’re a team making a move.
President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman made that clear: “We didn’t trade for draft picks. We traded for Desmond Bane. A leader. A worker. A winner.”
As Bane stood smiling next to Mosley and team executives, there was no mistaking the message: The Orlando Magic are entering a new chapter—and Desmond Bane is ready to help write it.
