Desmond Bane Reportedly Was Eyed by 'Several Teams' Before Magic Trade with Grizzlies
The Orlando Magic stood out from the crowd to secure a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies for guard Desmond Bane, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps.
Bontemps reported Monday that "several teams inquired about Bane" and that nobody worked as "aggressively" as the Magic.
That helps to further explain why Orlando paid a price that left a lot of NBA fans stunned. In addition to veteran guards Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Magic gave up four first-round picks and a pick swap for Bane.
Granted, Bane checked a lot of boxes for what the Magic need to take the next step.
The 26-year-old is a career 41 percent three-point shooter, so he should help an offense that was the worst long-range unit in the league. He's also a good defender who aligns with the team's overall identity.
Bane being signed through 2028-29 is a bonus when it further solidifies Orlando's core. He, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs are all under contract for at least four more seasons, while Paolo Banchero figures to sign a massive extension this offseason.
With the Eastern Conference title race opening up after Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles, Bane may turn the Magic into a genuine championship contender. That's clearly what team president Jeff Weltman and general manager Anthony Parker believe he can do.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies successfully used multiple suitors for Bane to extract the best possible return.
