Orlando, FL — The Orlando Magic have acquired guard-forward Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guard Cole Anthony, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and multiple future first round draft picks, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.
The draft picks conveyed to Memphis include: a first round draft pick in 2025 (16th overall), a first round draft pick in 2026 (which includes swap rights from either Phoenix or Washington), a first round draft pick in 2028, the swap rights to a first round draft pick in 2029 (top two protected) and a first round draft pick in 2030.
“We are very thrilled to welcome Desmond (Bane) to the Orlando Magic family,” said Weltman. “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. 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.”
Originally selected in the first round (30th overall) of the 2020 NBA Draft by Boston, Bane has appeared in 313 career NBA regular season games (261 starts), all with Memphis, averaging 17.8 ppg., 4.6 rpg., 3.8 apg. and 1.00 stlpg. in 29.6 minpg., while shooting .410 (812-1,979) from three-point range and .883 (678-768) from the free throw line. He stands as Memphis’ all-time leader in free throw percentage, ranks third in franchise history in three-pointers made and fourth in three-point field goal percentage.
Added Weltman: “We want to thank Cole (Anthony) and Kenny (Caldwell-Pope) for their contributions to the Orlando Magic. They have been true professionals and we wish them well.”
Anthony (6’3”, 198, 5/15/00) played in 67 games (22 starts) last season with Orlando, averaging 9.4 ppg., 3.0 rpg. and 2.9 apg. in 18.4 minpg. He also played in five playoff games, averaging 2.2 ppg., 1.4 rpg. and 1.2 apg. in 10.1 minpg. Originally selected in the first round (15th overall) of the 2020 NBA Draft by Orlando,
Anthony has developed into more than just a dynamic floor general for the Orlando Magic—he’s also emerged as an emotional captain within the clubhouse. He’s known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, regularly pumping up teammates with his energy, celebrating wins loudly, and embracing his role as a vocal supporter even when he hasn’t been in the rotation.
Caldwell-Pope was a disappointment for the Magic this season, averaging only 8.7 points per game and 2.2 rebounds per fame. Though his defensive prowess showed on that end of the floor, he did not turn out to be the 3-point shooter that the Magic needed to get beyond the first round of the playoffs.
