The Orlando Magic are shaking off their slow start to the season and moving back up the Eastern Conference standings. Cole Anthony, traded this summer after five seasons with the Magic, is doing the opposite: things continue to get worse as his career nears life support.
The Magic saw an opportunity this summer to take a big swing. They were ascending toward true playoff contention and wanted to address their biggest need: 3-point shooting. That turned into a costly trade for Desmond Bane, sending out four first-round picks plus matching salary.
That matching salary included Cole Anthony, the team's Sixth Man for years, a player they drafted themselves with the 15th pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.