ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Magic on Sunday 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.
But who, exactly, is Bane, and what’s he bring to the Magic?
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Bane was born on June 25, 1998, and attended Seton Catholic High School, a private school in Richmond, Indiana.
As a high school senior, Bane averaged 30 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks per game.
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Bane attended college at Texas Christian University, where he was named to the First Team All-Big 12 team in 2020 after averaging 16.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game as a senior.
Bane, who is 6 feet, 6 inches tall and 215 pounds, was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 30th pick in the 2020 draft but was traded to Memphis and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2021.
The Magic then acquired Bane, giving up two players, four first-round draft picks and a swap of first-round picks in 2029.
“We are very thrilled to welcome Desmond (Bane) to the Orlando Magic family,” said Jeff Weltman, president of basketball operations. “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 skillset 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.”
Bane played in 69 games last season with Memphis, averaging 19.2 ppg., 6.1 rpg., 5.3 apg. and 1.16 stlpg. in 32.0 minpg., while shooting .484 (493-1,018) from the field, .392 (164-418) from three-point range and .894 (177-198) from the free throw line.
He tied for seventh in the NBA in free throw percentage, tied for 32nd in assists, ranked 37th in scoring and 40th in steals.
Bane led (or tied) the Grizzlies in scoring 15 times, in rebounding 11 times and in assists 16 times.
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.
Welcome to Orlando, Desmond!