ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Memphis Grizzlies have traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and one first-round pick swap.
It was only a matter of time before Orlando made a move, as it was clear they needed to acquire more shooting after finishing dead last in three-point percentage. But they land much more than shooting in Bane, forming a legitimate star trio with him, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner. It's great timing for an aggresive move, as the Eastern Conference is wide open for the taking next season after brutal Achilles injuries to Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum.
But at the same time, it was also an incredibly steep price to pay. Orlando still needs to resolve its point guard position, which will be much more difficult with their limited remaining assets. That's bad news for the Portland Trail Blazers, as the Magic previously presented the most obvious landing spot for Anfernee Simons.
An Anfernee Simons trade seems off the table now
This is not to say it's official that the Magic will no longer trade for Simons, as they still have assets such as Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, and the No. 25 overall pick to dangle. But it does make a trade seem much more unlikely.
Yes, they managed to shed Caldwell-Pope’s salary, which is one reason they had to attach substantial draft capital. But in the process, they bring in Bane, a $40 million annual player. That's already on top of another $40 million player in Wagner and Jalen Suggs, who isn't far behind. Not to mention, Banchero is set to become their highest-paid player when he becomes extension-eligible in July.
A primary reason why the Blazers should look to trade Simons this summer is that they'll have to extend him, likely to a deal higher than the $27 million he's currently owed. Under the new CBA, it's hard to see how Orlando could make room for Simons, and it doesn't make sense for them to sacrifice their remaining assets for a one-year rental.
Now, Orlando's best bet is to pursue cheaper solutions, whether selecting Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. with their No. 25 pick or someone already locked into a more long-term deal than Simons.
This begs the question: Was a Simons offer ever on the table? And if so, were the Blazers ones to say no? While a Simons trade wouldn't have netted the colossal return Memphis just received for Bane, it's hard not to wonder if Portland already missed its window because of this deal.