Desmond Bane Officially Introduced as Orlando Magic’s New No. 3, Ready to Embark on “A New Era”

ORLANDO — It’s official. Desmond Bane is now a member of the Orlando Magic, and he couldn’t be happier about it.

The 26-year-old sharpshooter was formally introduced in Orlando on Monday, donning his new No. 3 jersey for media day photos and his first press conference since being acquired in a massive 7-for-1 blockbuster trade. The Magic sent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies to land Bane — the first major deal of the 2025 offseason.

And for Bane, Orlando wasn’t just another destination. It was the one he quietly hoped for.

"When the Grizzlies' GM called me, my heart sank for a second because there are 29 other teams it could have been," Bane admitted with a grin. "But the moment he said ‘Orlando,’ I just smiled. I’m not trying to sound disrespectful, like I was eager to leave Memphis — but I was genuinely excited about this opportunity."

In fact, Bane revealed that at season’s end, when his agent asked if he had any preferred landing spots should a trade happen, his answer was clear.

"I told him, ‘I promise you, if Orlando calls, that’s my first choice.’"

Since arriving in town, Bane says he’s felt nothing but warmth and enthusiasm. Every Magic player reached out, the staff greeted him with high-fives, and the buzz in the facility was impossible to ignore.

"You can feel the excitement in the air," Bane said. "There’s expectation here — the good kind. And I think we have the roster to do something really special."

The Magic believe they’ve landed the perfect piece to complement their young core. Bane, who has averaged over 19 points per game with a 41% career three-point percentage, fills a glaring need for a team that finished last season dead last in three-point shooting.

"His shooting, his ability to create his own shot, and his quick decision-making will push the tempo and open up the floor for the rest of our guys," said Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley. "He fits perfectly with what we’re trying to build."

And it’s not just offense — Bane emphasized that the Magic’s defensive-first mentality was another major draw.

"It’s who I am," Bane said. "Tough, scrappy, defensive-minded — that’s how I’ve made it in this league. And when you look at this roster, outside of maybe them having a few extra inches of wingspan," he joked, "we’re cut from the same cloth."

As Bane admired his new Magic jersey for the first time, he called it "super exciting."

"This is a new era," Bane declared. "We’re going to build something here — create new memories, chase something special, and compete with anybody in this league."

He’s already making plans to work out with Paolo Banchero and other new teammates before training camp. Banchero himself welcomed Bane on social media, reposting the newcomer’s official Magic photoshoot with a message: "Let’s get it."

Now, as Magic fans eagerly wonder how this revamped roster will fare in the upcoming season, Bane has one message:

"Just look at the lineup," he said confidently. "We can go toe-to-toe with anyone."

The next chapter for both Desmond Bane and the Orlando Magic has officially begun.