Desmond Bane will return to FedExForum for the first time since his 2025 trade when the Magic visit the rebuilding Grizzlies in the preseason.
Desmond Bane is set to return to Memphis since being traded in 2025 when the Orlando Magic visit the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in the preseason.
The Magic finalized their preseason games on Monday and will play two preseason road games. Orlando Magic beat reporter Jason Beede reported that Bane will make his first return to FedExForum since he was traded in June 2025.
"Desmond Bane will return to FedExForum for the first time since last summer's blockbuster trade when the #Magic open the preseason Oct. 7 at Memphis," Beed tweeted on July 20.
Desmond Bane
Bane was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft to the Boston Celtics, who traded his rights to the Grizzlies. He spent five seasons in Memphis, where the team made the playoffs four times, including a conference semi-finals run in 2022.
The 2020 draft played a pivotal role for the Grizzlies, as a 3-and-D player who developed offensive prowess with the team. During his time with the franchise, he averaged 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game over 313 games played.
Although Bane was traded to Orlando in 2025 after Memphis lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 4-0, he wasn't able to play against his former team. The Magic and Grizzlies did play in 2026; it was in Europe because both of their regular-season matchups were overseas.
New Grizzlies
Even though Bane will go down in Memphis history, the franchise is rebuilding after parting ways with all its past cornerstones.
During the NBA Draft, Memphis also drafted Karim Lopez at No. 21 and Richie Saunders at No. 32. On June 24, the organization acquired Isaiah Stewart from the Detroit Pistons.
Memphis traded Morant after Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded in early February 2026. While the team acquired Stewart, who was traded due to the Detroit Pistons wanting to send him to a team that would provide playing time, the Grizzlies also signed Carson Cooper to a two-way contract and recently landed AJ Johnson in a trade.
The Grizzlies will be a young team, but the front office will decide how to carve the direction of the roster.
With Morant in Portland, Boozer will be expected to help lead this franchise in its newest era. Some have labeled him as the most pro-ready player from the draft. Boozer had a consistent Summer in both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues.
