The term "blockbuster trade" came into question by many talking heads when discussing Desmond Bane being the center of a trade of that magnitude. Regardless of anyone's position on how big of a trade that was, it was the first domino to fall in what appears to be another franchise-altering move for the Memphis Grizzlies.
General manager Zach Kleiman said the team wasn't close to championship contention in his exit interview, and acted on it by splitting up their big three. The assets acquired in the trading of Bane to the Orlando Magic were too good to pass up and have set the Grizzlies up to enter discussions for other deals.
While the trade market continues to heat up as the NBA draft nears in the next week, the Grizzlies are inquiring about roster upgrades that could turn them into a championship contender soon.
The Grizzlies have ammo to get involved in various deals
The biggest takeaway from the Grizzlies' recent link to Kevin Durant can be interpreted in many ways, based on what was reported. Forbes NBA Contributor Evan Sidery reported that the Grizzlies entered the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, followed by a rebuttal from Memphis' Commercial Appeal Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole.
However, the outcome of that might just be that the Grizzlies are inserting themselves as a third team to gain assets in a Durant trade. Durant didn't list Memphis in his preferred destinations, so they don't have the motivation to execute a deal for an older, but productive player, who wouldn't be open to signing an extension for the team.
Due to the Suns wanting to get significant value in a trade for the two-time champion, his preferred destination teams don't appear to be offering their best, and the non-destination teams aren't interested in parting with significant assets for a short-term rental in both age and contract years.
The Grizzlies have four additional draft picks at their disposal, including a swap of either the Suns or Washington Wizards' pick in next year's draft. Utilizing that trade asset in a multi-team swap of Kevin Durant going elsewhere could net the Grizzlies a significant piece to add to their team.
Having the picks and contracts to be involved in nearly any type of deal wasn't in the Grizzlies' wheelhouse before the Desmond Bane trade. However, the aftermath of trading him appears to be in the Grizzlies' favor if they can properly manage the best method forward with their newfound assets to propel them into championship contention.