NBA Trade Grades 2025-26: Breaking Down the Most Impactful Offseason Deals
The Trade Season BeginsThe excitement builds as discussions around potential deals, including the Desmond Bane trade, start gaining momentum.
The NBA offseason is still at least two Finals games away, but the Desmond Bane trade season has already kicked off. On Sunday, the Memphis Grizzlies agreed to trade guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in a blockbuster deal. The trade includes Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a treasure trove of first-round picks.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that this trade window could “happen faster than normal” this summer. Phoenix forward Kevin Durant is also generating significant trade rumors. As we await more trades, let’s dive into the latest trade grades from ESPN’s Kevin Pelton.
Desmond Bane to the Magic
Orlando Magic Receive:
- G Desmond Bane
Memphis Grizzlies Receive:
- G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- G Cole Anthony
- 2025 first-round pick
- 2026 first-round pick (swap rights from Phoenix or Washington)
- 2028 first-round pick
- 2029 first-round pick swap
- 2030 first-round pick
Orlando: C+
This unexpected start to the NBA trade season mirrors the New York Knicks’ decision last year. They gave up five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges. In both cases, teams traded massive pick value for a player. However, the player has yet to reach All-Star status in a Desmond Bane trade.
From an outside perspective, this trade might seem like an overpay. Bridges eventually provided the secondary offensive contributions the Knicks expected, but he didn’t become a defensive difference-maker.
Orlando, 15 years removed from its last conference finals appearance, is eager to change its fortunes. This follows a disappointing season that ended with a five-game first-round loss to the Celtics. The Magic’s last playoff series victory dates back to 2010, and they are keen to break this drought.
The Magic also face a power vacuum in the Eastern Conference. While the Indiana Pacers have impressed in the NBA Finals, they don’t instill the same fear as a fully healthy Boston team. Furthermore, Cleveland Cavaliers’ second-round exit raises questions about their playoff viability, suggesting an unexpected East winner could emerge next season.
Bane’s Fit with the Magic
The question now is whether Bane can elevate Orlando’s chances. Given the focus on the Desmond Bane trade, his role at 27 fits well with the Magic’s core of Paolo Banchero (22), Jalen Suggs (24), and Franz Wagner (23). Bane’s shooting prowess should significantly benefit a team. This is especially true as they struggled with a league-low 32% from 3-point range last season.
Bane’s development as a secondary pick-and-roll playmaker complements Banchero, Suggs, and Wagner. They all excel with the ball but aren’t full-time ball handlers. His ability to score efficiently out of ball screens makes him a valuable addition.
Before the offseason unfolds, Pelton ranks Orlando fourth in the Eastern Conference for 2025-26. They rank behind Cleveland, Indiana, and New York, but ahead of Boston. A deep playoff run will depend on Suggs’ health and the development of Banchero and Wagner.
Financial Considerations
Orlando’s salary situation complicates this Desmond Bane trade. The team may face luxury tax implications in 2025-26. They will need to decline options on several players to complete the deal without exceeding the hard cap. The financial landscape will worsen in 2026-27 when Banchero’s max extension kicks in.
Ultimately, the Magic’s decision to give up multiple first-round picks raises skepticism. While Bane’s contract is reasonable, it doesn’t offer the same value as Bridges’ bargain deal. Orlando is banking on fit and internal development to justify this move.
Memphis: B
The Desmond Bane trade implications for Memphis are less clear. Just three months ago, the Grizzlies were tied for second in the West. However, a disappointing playoff exit led to significant changes, including the firing of coach Taylor Jenkins. Now, they have broken up the core of Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Ja Morant. They previously led the team to multiple playoff appearances.
Bane wasn’t the issue for Memphis, which has struggled since Morant’s suspensions. The Grizzlies’ depth has been more impactful than their star power, with Jackson being the only All-Star from the team.
If Memphis believes this core is no longer viable, resetting around Jackson with additional first-round picks makes sense. However, trading Bane deepens their need for top-end talent.
Short-Term Outlook
In the short term, Memphis should benefit from this trade. Caldwell-Pope, despite struggling as a shooter, brings defensive prowess. His contributions should enhance the Grizzlies’ performance on that end. Additionally, Anthony adds another ballhandling option behind Morant and Scotty Pippen Jr. He may bounce back after a decline in efficiency.
Another move is likely for Memphis, which has increased its salary cap with this trade. The Grizzlies had aimed for cap space to
