Why did Celtics trade Desmond Bane?

Desmond Bane is an American basketball player who plays as the starting shooting guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. He is known for his elite shooting and offensive IQ.

Bane’s impact on the Grizzlies franchise is evident as he recently secured the largest contract in franchise history. He signed a new max extension deal, committing to five years worth $197 million.

In the 2022/23 season for the Grizzlies, Bane averaged 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

Desmond Bane Trade

Desmond Bane was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 30th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. However, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft day. In a three-team deal, Boston traded Enes Kanter to the Portland Trail Blazers. In return, Boston received only two future second-round draft picks from the Memphis Grizzlies.

In hindsight, this Celtics' trade of Bane for two second-round picks and a bag of chips appears ludicrous today. Yet, considering the decision within the 2020 landscape, it was deemed the right move on Boston's part at that time.

Why did Celtics trade Desmond Bane?

Bane wasn't really a highly coveted prospect emerging from college. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, but with a relatively short wingspan of 6 feet 4 inches, he was perceived as an unconventional fit for a player of his height. He was also seen as a subpar defender, therefore doubts about transitioning to the NBA lingered.

While Bane’s college tenure at TCU showcased exceptional shooting, the Horned Frogs basketball team was not really considered a powerhouse in NCAA Division I basketball.

Playing all four seasons for TCU further diminished his appeal as the NBA teams usually favor younger, one & done or two college years players due to their perceived higher ceilings. This common tendency among NBA teams to avoid players who have completed all four years in college due to a perceived lower ceiling played a role in Bane falling to the 30th pick.

Additionally, the Boston Celtics were perennial playoff contenders at the time, and had a roster stacked in the backcourt with players like Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker. With a desire to compete immediately and limited minutes for Bane, the front office deemed the trade for future assets would be a better transaction for the franchise.

So, it does seem like the Celtics made the right move in 2020, but after four years, we can say that the Celtics may have underestimated Bane's potential. His elite 3-point shooting, and overall offense has translated really well to the NBA.

In retrospect, it also feels like that Bane could have easily integrated into the Celtics' lineup, complementing superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The trade, once thought of as a strategic decision, now stands as a missed opportunity, underscoring the unpredictable nature of player development in the NBA.

Desmond Bane Height and Weight

Desmond Bane stands at 6 feet 5 inches (198 cm). For a shooting guard, that is an ideal height as he leverages his height and length to shoot over opposition guards and maneuver past defenders with speed and agility.

Bane has a weight of 215 pounds (97 kilograms). His solid build provides him stability and balance. It aids him in absorbing contact and finishing plays effectively.