Why Desmond Bane is ‘nervous’ about facing the Grizzlies in Berlin

Desmond Bane admitted to mixed emotions this week as The Orlando Magic are preparing to face the Memphis Grizzlies overseasdiscovering that his strange surroundings prevented him from his long-awaited return to a familiar place.

As Orlando (22-18) prepares for its international matchup against Memphis (17-22) on Thursday at 2:00 PM ET on Prime Video in Berlin, Germany, Bane explained why the trip caused disappointment despite the global spotlight. He spoke to the media on Wednesday in a video clip shared on X by Grind City Media.

“Honestly, I was a little upset because I wanted to get back to Memphis,” Bain said. “I still have family there, I have people that stay there you know, so it would be nice to go back there and spend time with them and catch up with them, but everything happens for a reason and I think it’s good that he’s here for both the Magic and the Grizzlies.”

The 27-year-old guard was traded from Memphis to Orlando last summer in a blockbuster deal, ending a productive run with the franchise that drafted him. The match in Berlin is the first time Bane will face his former team, although not in the FedExForum environment he had initially hoped for.

Bane added that the international scene has a wider significance for both organizations.

“A chance for us to continue to grow our brand and we’re in France, Moe’s hometown, Tristan’s homeland, so it’s special for everyone involved,” he said. “I’m glad that we arrived here two months into the season.

“Honestly, I was a little upset just because I wanted to get back to Memphis.”

Desmond Bane on Magic having to face Grizzlies in Europe instead of Memphis 🗣

(via @grindcitimedia)pic.twitter.com/Ksb8Njp7fM9

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 14, 2026

The mention of Berlin underscores the connection between Magic forwards Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner and Tristan da Silva, adding another level of significance to the match.

Desmond Bain reflects on the Magic and Grizzly meeting in Berlin in the context of evolution

On the court, Bain played a central role in Orlando during his first season with the Magic. In 40 games, he is averaging 19.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 33.8 percent from three-point range in 33.8 minutes per game.

Outside the box, the matchup comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding former teammate Ja Morant. Bane reflected on Morant’s situation earlier this week in comments to Joe Vardon of the Athletics as trade speculation intensified ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.

“Embrace anyone who has that kind of spotlight or something with it,” Bain said. “He just wants to play basketball and be in a place where he feels valued. And hopefully, if it doesn’t happen in Memphis, he gets that, wherever his next stop is.”

Morant, a two-time All-Star and former NBA MVP, has been the subject of extensive trade talk after the Grizzlies’ turbulent start to the season. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported this last Friday Memphis has begun considering trade offers for the guardian as the deadline approaches.

“For the first time, the Memphis Grizzlies are receiving offers to potentially move two-time All-Star Ja Morant before the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote.

After Thursday’s contest in Berlin, the Magic and Grizzlies will meet again Sunday in London at 12:00 PM ET on Prime Video, capping off a two-city international series that combines global exposure with unresolved roster questions and evolving franchise directions on both sides.