Context:

The Orlando Magic, after consecutive playoff disappointments, are exploring trade options to bolster their roster. With a solid core in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the team is considering acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies. Bane, a talented 3-and-D player with a five-year, $207 million contract, could address the Magic's poor three-point shooting and defensive versatility. The proposed trade involves sending Anthony Black, Jonathan Isaac, and future first-round picks to Memphis, potentially aligning with the Grizzlies' interest in rebuilding. This move could position the Magic to break their cycle of mediocrity by pairing Suggs with an established playoff performer like Bane, Simons, or Beal.

Dive Deeper:

• The Orlando Magic have been unable to rise to the top tier of Eastern Conference teams, facing early playoff exits, despite a promising core of players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

• Desmond Bane is identified as a potential trade target for the Magic, fitting their timeline and addressing key weaknesses such as their league-worst three-point shooting percentage.

• Bane's contract, a five-year, $207 million deal, runs through 2028-29, and his skills as a shooter and defender make him an attractive piece for Orlando's long-term plans alongside Suggs.

• The proposed trade with the Memphis Grizzlies includes sending Anthony Black, Jonathan Isaac, and future first-round picks to Memphis, possibly appealing to the Grizzlies if they opt for a rebuild.

• Memphis' motivation for trading Bane could be influenced by their recent struggles, including failing to progress beyond the play-in tournament, and a desire to acquire future assets.

• Orlando's decision to pursue a player like Bane, or alternatives such as Anfernee Simons or Bradley Beal, stems from the need to break free from mediocrity and enhance their playoff prospects.

• The trade considerations reflect a strategic effort by the Magic to find a balance between immediate competitiveness and sustainable growth, leveraging Bane's abilities to complement their emerging stars.

• The Orlando Magic are going backward, not forward.

• After a losing a hard-fought, 7 game series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024, the Magic were eliminated in 5 at the hands of the Boston Celtics this season. 

• They were missing a few players, most notably Jalen Suggs, but even at full strength Orlando has struggled to enter the top tier of teams in the Eastern Conference.

• What's the next step to elevate the team? The Magic have a good core in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but they could find the missing piece in a trade. 

• CBS Sports' Sam Quinn suggested an interest target: Desmond Bane.

• The Grizzlies' star matches Orlando's timeline and could be the perfect 3-and-D option to replace an aging Kentavious Caldewell-Pope. 

• He's old enough at 26 to win now but young enough to grow with this group," Quinn wrote. "Great shooter, serviceable creator, not especially high-usage relative to his peer group."

• Bane is on a 5-year, $207 million contract he signed in 2023. He's locked into that deal until 2028-29. 

• Orlando ranked 30th in 3-point percentage last season and Bane, who shot 39% from 3, could go a long way in resolving that issue.

• He's also a capable defender who could switch on four, maybe all five positions on the floor. 

• After the Grizzlies failed to make it out of the play-in tournament, would they be willing to part with Bane?

• Potential Desmond Bane trade

  Orlando Magic receive: 

• • Desmond Bane
  Memphis Grizzlies receive:

• • Anthony Black
  • Jonathan Isaac
  • 2027 first-round pick
  • 2028 first-round pick
  The Grizzlies could be motivated to do this trade if they want to rebuild. If Ja Morant has reached the end of his leash, Memphis could execute a fire sale.

• They could acquire Black as a piece for the future and the two firsts would go a long way. Isaac would be there to match salaries and as a potential long shot to become a good player down the road. 

• Desmond Bane’s journey to a max contract:
  
  High School:
  
  • 0-star recruit.
  • Averaged 30 points a game at a small Catholic school in Indiana.
  • Spent his entire senior season of high school uncommitted to a college.
  • Commits to TCU over Miami (OH) in May of his senior… pic.twitter.com/R2ejEJPm53

• — College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) July 2, 2023 MORE: Steve Kerr makes Jonathan Kuminga announcement involving Steph Curry injury

• The Magic would be able to find a backcourt partner for Suggs and add another proven playoff scorer. 

• Whether it's Bane, or other names like Anfernee Simons or Bradley Beal, Orlando needs to find a solution or forever be stuck in purgatory.