Desmond Bane believes the package the Magic gave up for him was worth it. The Grizzlies moved the high-scoring guard to Orlando, receiving Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap in return.
Bane anticipates he’ll have no trouble fitting in with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and the rest of the Magic’s core as they strive to become a top contender in the Eastern Conference.
“It’s time to win,” Bane said, per Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. “It’s pretty much as simple as that. If we do what we’re supposed to do … Not to say those picks weren’t valuable, but they would have fallen in place that, we’ve got a lot of young talent here already in the building, and we have a lot of talent at the top of the roster, so I think it’s a perfect for the organization to do what they did.”
Bane was asked by his agent after the Grizzlies’ season ended that if he were traded where would he prefer to wind up.
“I promise you, Orlando was right at the top of the list,” Bane said. “It’s a perfect fit.”
Orlando had a crying need for another play-maker and shooter and Bane fits that bill. He averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game this season while shooting 39.2% from three on 6.1 attempts per contest. Bane slots in alongside Jalen Suggs in the starting backcourt.
It was a calculated risk by the Magic, not only for the loss of draft capital but also because Bane’s big contract pushes them closer to luxury tax territory. He has four years left on his five-year, $197.2MM deal.
“I’ve gotten a chance to play against them — not a ton coming from the Western Conference — but it was always tough to put the ball in the basket against them,” Bane said of his new teammates. “They guard and I’ll fit right into what they’re trying to do on that end, and hopefully help out on the spacing front on offense.”
When Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman contacted Bane regarding the trade, Bane’s emotions went from concern to elation.
“Before he told me where I was going, my heart sank, just because there’s 29 other teams outside of the Grizzlies that I could have ended up on,” Bane said. “Once he said Orlando, I was smiling through the phone. I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful like I was moving on from Memphis that fast, but I was genuinely excited about the new opportunity.”
Orlando paid a high price for Bane. New York paid a high price for Bridges. Los Angeles basically got Luka for AD and nothing else. Crazy NBA at times
Orlando traded two mediocre players for Bane.
New York traded four bad players for Bridges.
LA traded an All-NBA, All-Defense player for Luka.
Crazy how many people don’t understand what the draft picks are for.
So you think no other team could top the Lakers offer?
I think that is naive. Luka would have brought a kings ransom and nobody will ever know bc of the inside deal between friends. Imagine what OKC could have offered the Mavericks.
Claiming that the AD/Luka trade was even is not only disingenuous but very difficult to defend.
Sorry.
“Claiming that the AD/Luka trade was even is not only disingenuous but very difficult to defend.”
Suggesting I said that is what’s disingenuous.
Interesting take, to say the least
Lauri, Sexton and 5 firsts for Donovan Mitchell is another one that no one ever would have predicted
“AD and nothing else”
AD is a top 10-12 player.
Christie is more valuable than Anthony or KCP at this stage.
LA got the better of the trade, but they gave up a lot.
A lot, but not enough ( if n. harrison understood leverage )
I think people look at this the wrong way.
Its not that AD is good, the real question is what COULD the Mavericks have gotten from other teams or a bidding war?
Again, what could OKC offer? What could the Celtics offer?
see? That is the issue. Harrisons job is to maximize the return for an once in a lifetime player.
That is why he will eventually be fired.
Nico thought Luka was a degenerate fat guy, a la Zion. Sucks to be him.
Desmond Bane is a really good player. I think he will fit in excellently in Orlando. But we have gotten way to far into the player empowerment thing when Desmond Bane has a trade me to list.
Might want to work on your reading comprehension.
No I understand fully. It’s just he had absolutely no leverage to dictate where he would end up. Was already on a new deal so couldn’t do a I won’t resign here thing. Didn’t have a NTC. And it’d not like he’s some super ingrained into the NBA guy like Butler, or Durant to leverage that into a destination of his choosing. The agent is just doing his job but if Memphis wanted to trade Bane to East Gibip he’s getting traded.
yeah side with the Billionaires…
I never understand that.
Why not have a trade me list? Memphis obviously had one.
Why would you hire an agent?
To maximize his career? Why should he just do whatever management says? this is not indentured servitude, its a employment. As a Lawyer, I have worked for over 10 firms in my career. Should I not look for a better situation?
I guess I dont get your comment, really. I am baffled why people would care if a player wants to do whatever he wants. Would you have a problem if he took less to stay in Memphis bc he loves it?
Weird that people have this position and that they side with people who have nothing in common with them, the rich.
Sounds like you got some issues you need to work on my friend. Not everything is some class level struggle where it’s one side vs the other.
I read this as a very coincidental ‘so glad to be here’ response. Of course you had the place you got traded to on the top of ‘your list’.
I still can’t believe Bane is 6’6″ with a 6’4″ wingspan. T-rex arms for real lol – for reference, I am almost 6’2″ with a 6’4″ wingspan, so its extra funny for me.
He’s good though! Just has no length whatsoever, which isn’t really an issue with the Magic now Anthony is gone.
T-rex , that’s for getting the check
“I believe I am worth 20 FRPs” says everyone in the NBA.
Wish lists are very in vogue right now. Feels very teeny bopper…