There are still at least two NBA Finals games to be played before this year’s champion is crowned, but a major trade on Sunday tipped off what could be a wild offseason for the league.
The Grizzlies agreed to trade guard Desmond Bane to the Magic for a huge haul: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, the No. 16 pick in this month’s NBA Draft, four first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. Bane, the 30th pick in the 2020 draft, will be entering the second season of a five-year, $197 million max extension that runs through 2029. He’ll turn 27 later this month.
Memphis and Orlando both made the playoffs and were eliminated in the first round this past season, despite each having bottom-six payrolls. The Grizzlies were the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and were swept by the Thunder. Orlando was the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference and lost 4–1 to the Celtics.
The Grizzlies were one of seven NBA teams to fire their coach this past cycle, and are now led by Tuomas Iisalo, who got the full-time job following a stint as interim coach after Taylor Jenkins was fired in April.
There could be more movement on the way for the Magic, as adding Bane now gives the franchise the eighth-highest projected payroll in the NBA next season at $247.7 million. That would come with a massive luxury tax bill that Orlando is likely going to try to avoid.
Around the League
The Bane trade could be the first of many big NBA moves this summer.
Suns star Kevin Durant could be on his way to the fifth team of his career. Durant, 36, has one year and $54.7 million left on his contract. Should he be traded, his preferred destinations include the Heat, Spurs, or Rockets, according to ESPN.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly “open-minded” to leaving Milwaukee. That uncertainty about his future was a factor in former Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry selling his stake in the franchise in 2023.
Other stars who could potentially be on the move include Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, Suns guard Bradley Beal, Kings forward Zach LaVine, and Hawks guard Trae Young.
