Sunday saw the summer`s initial major trade: the Memphis Grizzlies surprised the NBA by sending Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four unprotected first-round draft selections.
From Orlando`s viewpoint, they acquired a crucial backcourt piece to complement Jalen Suggs and their promising young forwards Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. The Magic urgently needed better shooting and an additional player who can create off the dribble, qualities they see in Bane, who also aligns with their defensive focus. The significant cost for Bane was numerous first-round picks, and Memphis` accumulation of a package centered around draft capital sparked key questions regarding their future strategy.
Was Memphis intending to undertake a complete roster teardown and rebuild, similar to the Oklahoma City Thunder`s approach? If so, would this summer see Jaren Jackson Jr. and/or Ja Morant become available via trade?
According to a report by ESPN`s Tim Bontemps, the current answer to both questions is negative. The Grizzlies are reportedly not anticipating any further star player trades this offseason, viewing Morant and Jackson as their primary “franchise cornerstones.” While other teams will likely still inquire hoping to sway General Manager Zack Kleiman, Memphis appears to be signaling this trade aimed to enhance flexibility for constructing the team around Morant and Jackson moving forward.
The Grizzlies` most urgent task is securing a contract extension for Jackson this summer. They are probably not finished adjusting their roster to free up the necessary cap space for the deal he`s likely seeking after a standout season. If no extension is reached this offseason, he would become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. However, Bontemps` report indicates they`ve taken steps to generate sufficient salary cap and luxury tax apron room to sign him to a long-term agreement.
Until Jackson formally signs his extension, rival teams will undoubtedly attempt to acquire the skilled defender from Memphis. However, to persuade the Grizzlies to abandon their current path and commit to a full rebuild, it would require an exceptionally compelling, “Godfather”-level offer that Memphis finds impossible to decline. Absent such an offer, it appears Memphis intends to retool its roster rather than initiating a complete rebuild.
This raises a distinct question: who can the team acquire to fit into their lineup alongside Morant and Jackson more effectively than Bane did? Adding perimeter shooting must be a key focus for the Grizzlies this offseason, given they already lacked strong three-point shooters and have now traded their most prolific volume shooter.
As they work to strengthen their wing positions, it`s reasonable to assume the Grizzlies will prioritize players with greater size and length to play alongside Morant and Jackson. This is because their smaller guards have been targeted by opponents in playoff situations. While Bane is a capable defender, his 6-foot-5 height and negative wingspan next to Morant offered opponents opportunities to exploit matchups. These concerns will be less significant for Bane in Orlando`s notably large lineup. Memphis now possesses more resources to pursue such players via trade, and it remains to be seen how actively they will use those acquired picks to acquire talent this summer.
Following another quick playoff departure this season, it appeared this core group might have reached its limit. Consequently, Kleiman and his staff seemingly decided that the shooting guard position, occupied by Bane, was the place to make a significant change. Bane likely held the highest trade value because he was under a long-term contract (unlike Jackson at this moment) and didn`t have the past availability issues associated with Morant. The organization believes this trade positions them to improve the roster for the long haul, although achieving that goal may demand patience from both the team`s supporters and its stars, Morant and Jackson.
Jasper Hawthorne