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Slam Dunk - $250 - Contest Completed | NBA Week 26

Magic acquire G Desmond Bane in blockbuster trade with Grizzlies

Sun Jun 15 12:10pm ET
Field Level Media

The Orlando Magic are acquiring guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in a blockbuster deal, ESPN reported Sunday.

In return, Memphis will receive guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap, per the report.

Bane, 26, was the No. 30 overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft and spent five seasons with the Grizzlies. He has career averages of 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists over 29.6 minutes per game.

In 2024-25, he exceeded those numbers with 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He shot 39.2 percent from 3-point-territory.

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A 6-foot-5 shooting guard, Bane has faced injury woes the past three seasons, limited to just 58 games in 2022-23, followed by seasons with 42 and 69 games.

Caldwell-Pope, 32, will provide veteran leadership for the Grizzlies. Now 32, he was selected No. 8 overall in the 2013 draft and has two NBA title on his resume, playing for the Detroit Pistons (2013-17), Los Angeles Lakers (2017-21), Washington Wizards (2021-22), Denver Nuggets (2022-24) and Magic.

He has career averages of 11.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 912 games. In 2024, those numbers were 8.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 77 games.

Anthony, 25, was taken by Orlando with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 draft. In five seasons and 320 games with the Magic, he has averages of 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

Bane had signed a five-year, $197.2 million contract extension with the Grizzlies in July of 2023 and is under contract through the 2028-29 season.

Player Notes
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Sun Jun 15 12:50pm

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Orlando Magic are trading guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the deal for guard Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies will also receive guard Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. The 32-year-old has bounced around the league since entering it in 2013, suiting up for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, and Washington Wizards. However, his stock rose after he helped the Denver Nuggets win a championship in 2023. KCP would go on to sign with the Magic last offseason. Unfortunately, he wasn't as productive, averaging 8.7 points. He also shot 34.2% from behind the arc, a significant decline from his final season in Denver. With that in mind, Caldwell-Pope could get more scoring opportunities in Memphis. His durability is also a plus for fantasy managers. Still, he isn't a consistent fantasy producer, although he'll likely have some solid showings throughout the 2025-26 campaign, regardless of his role.

Cole Anthony Sun Jun 15 12:40pm

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Memphis Grizzlies are acquiring guard Cole Anthony from the Orlando Magic in exchange for guard Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies will also receive guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. The 2020 No. 15 overall pick has spent his entire career in Orlando. His best season was in 2021-22, when he averaged 16.3 points per contest. However, Anthony amassed only 9.4 points in 67 games during the 2024-25 campaign, a substantial dip. Anthony could struggle to find a consistent role in Memphis, especially with Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Caldwell-Pope on the roster. Still, he may get an opportunity to get involved, considering Morant has had issues staying on the court over the years.

Desmond Bane Sun Jun 15 12:20pm

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Memphis Grizzlies are trading guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. In exchange, Memphis will receive guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. It's a big investment for Orlando. However, Bane is a borderline All-Star and a player capable of picking up some of the slack on the offensive end behind Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The 26-year-old is one of the most feared three-point shooters in the National Basketball Association, draining 41.0% of his attempts from downtown throughout his career while averaging 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals. It's logical to assume Bane may not be as potent on the scoring end in Orlando, considering Banchero and Wagner should continue to be the focal points offensively. Still, he is expected to remain a valuable fantasy option for managers as long as he stays healthy, something that has been an issue for him since entering the league in 2020.

Steven Adams Sun Jun 15 10:10am

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Houston Rockets center Steven Adams agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension. The 31-year-old spent most of his career in Oklahoma City before making a stop in Memphis for two seasons. After missing the 2023-24 campaign due to knee surgery, he suited up for the Rockets last season. However, Adams averaged only 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 58 regular-season appearances. He played a more prominent role in the postseason, amassing 5.7 points and 6.6 boards in 22.1 minutes (seven games). With Alperen Sengun on the roster, Adams' fantasy potential is significantly capped. Still, his leadership will go a long way in helping develop the young talent on the Rockets' roster.

Tyrese Haliburton Sat Jun 14 10:00am

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton struggled in Friday's loss to OKC. He had 18 points, his second-highest mark of the NBA Finals. However, after going 4-for-8 from downtown in Game 3, the 25-year-old made just one of his seven tries from behind the arc in Game 4. Haliburton is now averaging 17.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.0 rebounds throughout the series. He has also improved on the defensive end. Unfortunately, Haliburton hasn't been consistent offensively. In addition, he has amassed at least four turnovers in the last three contests, making him a somewhat risky DFS option for Game 5 on Monday evening.

Chet Holmgren Sat Jun 14 9:50am

Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren had another double-double in Friday's win over the Indiana Pacers. The 2022 No. 2 overall pick had 14 points, a dip from the 20 he had in Game 3, but he made up for it by amassing a game-high 15 boards, his highest rebounding total of the series. Isaiah Hartenstein got the start for Game 4 on Friday evening. If Hartenstein gets another run with the first five on Monday in Oklahoma City, the door could be open for another solid rebounding night from Holmgren, giving him more than enough upside for DFS managers.

Jalen Williams Sat Jun 14 9:40am

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams scored 27 points in Friday's win over the Indiana Pacers. He added seven rebounds and three assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way by finishing with a game-high 35 points. However, despite failing to drain a three-point shot, the 24-year-old still had his best showing of the NBA Finals on Friday night. Williams' usage has steadily increased throughout the series. Assuming Indiana continues to focus its defensive efforts on SGA moving ahead, which is certainly possible, Williams' usage should continue to trend up, giving him plenty of upside for DFS managers for Game 5 on Monday evening.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sat Jun 14 9:40am

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 35 points in Friday's win over the Indiana Pacers. He added three steals and a block. OKC had trouble keeping up with Indiana throughout the night. However, SGA put the Thunder on his back by scoring 15 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter while sinking six free-throws in the final minute of the contest. With the series knotted at two games each, both clubs will head back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Monday. Gilgeous-Alexander is now averaging 32.8 points during the NBA Finals, so Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle will need to make adjustments. With that said, until the 26-year-old shows signs of regression, he remains a top option for DFS managers.

Kevin Durant Fri Jun 13 7:20pm

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, there is "some serious traction" regarding a trade for Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant. There are several teams who have expressed interest in the 2014 MVP. However, Charania indicated that the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves are the three clubs who appear to have the best chance of landing Durant, at least as of right now, with a deal potentially happening "in the next few days." Durant continues to produce at an exceptional level despite being in the National Basketball Association for nearly two decades, most recently averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 62 games with the Suns in 2024-25. No matter where he ends up, he'll probably remain a top-25 fantasy option heading into next season. The 36-year-old is also expected to remain in the All-Star conversation for at least a few more seasons, although his inability to stay healthy at times has been a deterrent for fantasy managers.

Russell Westbrook Fri Jun 13 7:20pm

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, guard Russell Westbrook will decline his $3.47 million player option with the Denver Nuggets, making him an unrestricted free agent. The 36-year-old averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 32.3% shooting from behind the arc with Denver last season, an increase from the marks he had with the Clippers during the 2023-24 campaign. There's a chance Westbrook will remain with the Nuggets. He'll likely also entertain offers from other clubs around the National Basketball Association. Where he ultimately signs will determine how things will look from a fantasy standpoint. However, it's safe to assume his MVP and All-Star days are likely well behind him, regardless of what team he suits up for come October.

Myles Turner Fri Jun 13 10:10am

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is battling cold symptoms but continues to contribute as much as possible to his team's NBA Finals run. He played 30 minutes in Game 3 and had a few critical defensive plays does the stretch while finishing with nine points, two rebounds, five blocks, a steal, and an assist. It was the most minutes he has played in five games, but Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said, "Myles is under the weather... He just hasn't been feeling well the last couple of days. It was affecting his wind. He won't bring it up, but I think it's just appropriate to mention that he's working through something." Turner is not on the injury report, so he doesn't seem in danger of missing Game 4, but he may be at less than 100% once again.

Reed Sheppard Fri Jun 13 6:30am

Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard will be part of the team's roster for the upcoming summer league in Las Vegas, as the team looks to create a bigger role for him next year. Sheppard was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but he only played 12.6 minutes per game in 52 games during his rookie season. He averaged 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists with a 17.8% usage rate. He earned All-Summer League First Team honors last year after producing 20.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals in four games. This year, he'll look to claim a larger role in the Rockets' rotation for his sophomore season with another strong showing. The summer league will take place from July 10-20 in Las Vegas.

Kevin Durant Fri Jun 13 6:10am

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Phoenix Suns are focused on trading forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat. The insider said that there is traction towards getting a deal done soon, and that the deal could get done ahead of the NBA Draft in a few weeks. Durant is on an expiring contract and could either be viewed as a one-year "rental" player or be given a longer-term deal. If he is traded, Durant will be eligible to sign a two-year, $112 million extension with his new team in July. Knicks' and Spurs' reporters have downplayed the likelihood of Durant landing with those teams, but the Heat seem to be legitimately interested, according to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Dorian Finney-Smith Thu Jun 12 8:10pm

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) underwent surgery on his left ankle. He is expected to be ready to go by training camp. The veteran has been burdened by a "lingering left-ankle injury" for a few years. However, the procedure should allow him to play "pain-free" moving ahead. Finney-Smith began the 2024-25 campaign with the Brooklyn Nets before being dealt to the Lakers as a part of the package for D'Angelo Russell. He appeared in 43 games for Los Angeles, starting 20 and averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 39.8% shooting from behind the three-point line. The 32-year-old has until June 29 to decide on his $15.4 million player option for 2025-26. He could also end up signing an extension. With that in mind, the Lakers will likely look to retain him, although he'll draw attention if he hits free agency. As far as Finney-Smith's fantasy outlook is concerned, he's never been a consistent producer on the offensive end. However, he has had some potent outings over the years for fantasy managers, so that shouldn't change no matter where he ends up next season.

Jalen Williams Thu Jun 12 8:40am

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams was the team's top scorer in Wednesday's 116-107 Game 3 loss to the Indiana Pacers, notching 26 points on 9-for-18 shooting from the field. He was 7-for-11 at the free-throw line and nailed one attempt from deep with two shots, scoring two more points than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As always, Williams also made contributions in several other areas, recording six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Although Williams has shot only 39.2 percent from the field in the Finals, he has still averaged 20.7 points per game. Furthermore, he has registered 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.0 steals. The first-year All-Star has been productive against Indiana, but it seems the Thunder need even more from Williams, considering that the team has fallen behind 2-1 in the series.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Thu Jun 12 8:30am

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to 24 points in Game of the NBA Finals on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers, shooting 9-for-20 from the field and 5-for-6 at the line in a 116-107 defeat. After allowing Gilgeous-Alexander to open the Finals with back-to-back 30-point efforts, the Pacers did a remarkable job against him defensively, limiting his scoring opportunities and forcing the 2024-25 MVP to commit a game-high six turnovers. Gilgeous-Alexander wrapped up his line with eight rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. While every other player would likely be satisfied with Gilgeous-Alexander's output on Wednesday, he has set incredibly high standards for himself and must be eager to bounce back in Game 4 on Friday night.

Pascal Siakam Thu Jun 12 8:10am

Indiana Pacers forward/center Pascal Siakam had his best Finals performance in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, racking up 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block in a 116-107 victory. Siakam missed both of his attempts from downtown but shot a solid 8-for-14 overall and finished 5-for-6 at the free-throw line. The Cameroon star had previously struggled with his shooting in the series, producing only 10 total makes over the first two clashes against the Thunder. Nevertheless, Siakam has still provided good production for DFS teams in the matchup, averaging 18.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks.

Bennedict Mathurin Thu Jun 12 8:00am

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin was the standout performer in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, putting up a game-high 27 points on 9-for-12 shooting in a 116-107 win. He became the third player this century to put up 25-plus points off the bench in a Finals game, joining Jason Terry and Manu Ginobili. Mathurin, who went 2-for-3 with the three-ball and 7-for-8 at the charity stripe, did his damage in just 22 minutes. He also grabbed four rebounds and registered one assist with one block. The Pacers saw Mathurin produce only five points in the Finals opener, but he has since averaged 20.5 points over the last two games, giving the team a valuable boost off the bench.

Tyrese Haliburton Thu Jun 12 8:00am

Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton filled the stat sheet and just missed a triple-double in Wednesday's 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. He finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, and one block. Indiana's leading man shot 4-for-8 from downtown and 9-for-17 overall from the field during a busy night. Haliburton has been inconsistent in the postseason, but he has averaged a solid stat line for the Finals. Over three games, Haliburton has notched 17.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks. He is dealing with a lower-body ailment, but it certainly didn't hinder the two-time All-Star on Wednesday night.

Brandin Podziemski Thu Jun 12 7:50am

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (wrist) has undergone his second offseason surgery. After having left wrist debridement surgery on May 27, Podziemski had a procedure on June 10 to repair a core muscle injury. He is expected to be fully ready for the start of training camp in the fall. The 22-year-old has enjoyed two solid seasons in the Association and will aim to take another leap in 2025-26. This season, Podziemski averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 26.8 minutes, starting 33 of 64 contests. In a starting role, Podziemski boosted his scoring output to 14.9 points per game, and his fantasy stock would certainly rise if he can cement a spot in the first unit.


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