The Grizzlies made the first blockbuster move of the NBA offseason, trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. The surprising move has many wondering if the Grizzlies are rebuilding or setting themselves up for an even bigger move this summer. Also, the compensation the Grizzlies received has many wondering how much the star players will be traded for.
As important of a piece as Bane has been for the Grizzlies throughout his five-year career, it didn't result in the Grizzlies making a significant postseason run the last three seasons. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are the team's All-Stars, but Bane was the highest paid out of the three.
While the compensation received could be perceived as the Grizzlies going on a fire sale, the exact opposite is on the mind of their general manager, Zach Kleiman, as their two best players enter their prime years this season.
The Grizzlies will go star hunting
Here are the full details of the Desmond Bane blockbuster.
- Grizzlies receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, 16th overall pick in 2025, 2026 1st round pick (most favorable Suns, Magic, Wizards), 2028 1st round pick, 2029 1st round pick swap (lightly protected), 2030 1st round pick
- Magic receive: Desmond Bane
Veteran leadership was badly needed in the Grizzlies' locker room, and they gained that with the acquisition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Cole Anthony was also acquired by the Grizzlies in the Bane trade, and his $ 13.1 million contract can be combined with Brandon Clarke's $12.5 million deal to execute a deal for some of the top players on the market.
If the Grizzlies wanted to re-enter the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, they have the ammo with the four additional first-round picks received in the Bane trade, including the Magic's 2026 first, which includes swap rights with the Phoenix Suns or Washington Wizards. If Giannis does indeed decide it is time to split from the Bucks, the Grizzlies can offer one of the best packages with their collection of picks.
On a lower level, the team can add a combination of picks and matching salaries to inquire the New Orleans Pelicans about Herb Jones and/or Trey Murphy III and still have more picks remaining at their disposal. Rebuilding is not an option when the team has two All-Star players and the picks they gained with the Desmond Bane trade.
The NBA is trending toward big twos with quality depth and matching pieces surrounding, and the Grizzlies are in the unique position to follow suit. They could also add a better big three-piece to fit the Ja and Jaren pairing if the opportunity presents itself. Caldwell-Pope solves the team's veteran 3-and-D role, but opened up another hole without a wing scorer.
There are secondary stars or young guys that can develop into stars on the market for the Grizzlies to inquire about, and the Bane trade is just the first step in what could be a promising offseason for the team to vault itself into championship contention.