The 2024–25 NBA season was full of blockbuster trades. The Dallas Mavericks traded superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2, then Jimmy Butler landed with the Golden State Warriors just four days later.
As the trade winds seemed to calm, another major deal hit. On June 15, Desmond Bane was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Orlando Magic.
But it’s not just the trade itself that has fans buzzing. It’s Bane’s brutally honest comments about his former team’s training facilities that have grabbed attention.
Desmond Bane Was Not a Fan of His Old Training Facility With the Grizzlies
During a recent media session at the Magic’s state-of-the-art training facility, Bane couldn’t help but take a playful jab at Memphis.
“It’s different, bro,” Bane said in an interview. “The one in Memphis, we ain’t have not one window. We joked around and called it the dungeon, but this is a breath of fresh air.”
Bane praised Orlando’s training facility. “I mean you literally can step outside and get a breath of fresh air and eat on the patio,” he said. “I mean, there’s indoor, outdoor training facility. You know all the bells and whistles are in here. But I feel like the people is what’s really going to make this place special.”
Desmond Bane speaks with the media. pic.twitter.com/eSDciCqeY4
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 17, 2025
Bane’s comments make sense. The Magic’s training facility, opened in a partnership with AdventHealth in August 2022, is a $70 million marvel designed to prioritize both performance and recovery.
With two full-size basketball courts, a spacious, modern locker room, turf zones, incline ramps, and stairs to simulate game-like movement, it’s a dream for any athlete.
Per facility designer “HOK”, it also offers top-tier recovery resources, including cryotherapy chambers, massage rooms, and an altitude chamber. They are there to help ensure player health during a long NBA season. It’s more than just a gym; it’s a wellness haven.
“This is what we need,” wrote Bane on X in 2022 by reposting pictures of the AdventHealth facility.
I think it’s safe to say Desmond Bane is still a big fan of the Orlando Magic facilities.
In 2022: “This is what we need”
2025: “🔒💙”
Now he’s got what he needs. #Magic pic.twitter.com/aNusEpC9p7
— Andrew Cherico (@Andrew_Cherico) June 16, 2025
In Bane’s blockbuster trade, Orlando sent Cole Anthony and veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Memphis, along with a staggering four unprotected first-round picks and a pick swap.
Orlando and Memphis exited the 2024–25 NBA postseason’s first round. The Magic lost to the Boston Celtics, while the Grizzlies fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder. For Orlando, the playoffs exposed a clear weakness: Backcourt consistency and offensive firepower.
Bane averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game last season. He also shot 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range. Bane’s scoring ability and court vision could be exactly what Orlando needs to make a deeper run next year.