The Memphis Grizzlies traded away Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for a pick heavy package in a surprising deal on Sunday after they had been attempting to acquire a star wing for multiple years. The Grizzlies had pursued trades for Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and even Franz Wagner of the Magic, sources tell Jake Fischer.
The Grizzles eventually acquired Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics during the 2023 offseason for two first round picks. The trade didn't work out as intended as Smart struggled with injuries and a decline in his production before the Grizzlies traded him to the Washington Wizards at the 2025 trade deadline.
When Bridges was traded by the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets at the 2023 trade deadline, the Grizzlies were attempting to acquire him with a pick heavy package. Memphis also offered three first round picks to the Toronto Raptors in 2023 for Anunoby.
Wagner signed a five-year, $224 million extension with the Magic during the 2024 offseason.