The Orlando Magic are all set to make some noise in the Eastern Conference during the 2025-26 NBA season.
The biggest reason behind the Orlando Magic being rated so highly in the Eastern Conference is undoubtedly the presence of Paolo Banchero.
Banchero had a breakout year last season and is now considered among the top stars in the conference. But there’s another reason why Magic Nation is excited about the upcoming season.
That’s because of the arrival of Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Photo by G Fiume/Getty ImagesPaolo Banchero makes ‘didn’t believe it’ admission about the Desmond Bane trade
The Bane to Magic trade essentially kicked off the offseason as it was the first major move made this summer.
Banchero recently recalled the moment when the trade was made official during an interview with The Athletic.
“I just didn’t believe it. I felt like there were some guys that were kind of up on the list of who we would maybe trade for, at least in my head, and Desmond Bane was not one of them,” Banchero said.
Considering the fact that Bane had spent his entire career with the Grizzlies, not many thought he would be traded either. After all, it’s rare to see a team trade a 17.8 PPG sniper in the middle of his prime.
Paolo Banchero liked Desmond Bane’s ‘demeanor’ when he was in Memphis
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
Banchero wasn’t done as he continued to praise his new teammate and also named the things he likes the most about Bane.
“When I heard that one, I was like, ‘Desmond Bane!’ I was like, ‘S___, he’s a hell of a player.’ I was excited,” Banchero continued.
“Obviously, he was in the West, so [we didn’t] play him too much, but every time we played Memphis, man, he’d give it to us.
“And I just liked his whole demeanor and how he played, shooting the three,” Banchero concluded.
It seems like the Magic hit the jackpot with their trade as Bane has already started to lead the team and prepare them well for the 2025-26 NBA season.