It is never easy to move on from a player like Desmond Bane, especially for a franchise that had invested so much in his growth and saw him as part of its long-term core. But quietly, the Memphis Grizzlies may have made the kind of pivot that not only addresses their weaknesses but also positions them to become a more balanced team overall. With the additions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ty Jerome, Memphis is retooling in a way that should elevate Ja Morant and give the entire roster a bit more structure.
Caldwell-Pope brings a pedigree the Grizzlies have never really had before. He has won at the highest level, played major minutes in the NBA Finals, and understands how to thrive in roles that do not demand high usage.
On a team that already has Morant commanding much of the offense, that kind of complementary skill set becomes crucial. KCP can defend top perimeter assignments, hit catch-and-shoot threes, and keep the ball moving. There is no question that Bane is the more dynamic scorer, but this might be the tradeoff Memphis needed.
The Grizzlies' roster changes will serve to elevate them
It also does not hurt that this move gives the front office more financial flexibility over the long haul. Bane’s contract was going to take up a large chunk of cap space, and for a team that still needs to figure out how to best build around Ja, trimming down that commitment allows for a little more breathing room. Caldwell-Pope fits what this roster needed both on the court and in the locker room.
The other big move here was the addition of Ty Jerome, who has quietly become a more than capable secondary ball-handler. His ability to run the offense in stretches is going to matter more than people realize, especially when Ja sits. Too often recently, the offense has had times of stalling out when Morant was off the floor. Jerome is not flashy, but he is efficient, smart, and knows how to manage a possession.
In a Western Conference that is constantly shifting, the Grizzlies might have found a path forward that does not rely entirely on star power. By surrounding Ja with guys who can do the little things, defend, and play off the ball, Memphis might be setting the table for a more sustainable version of success. Bane will likely meet or exceed expectations in Orlando, but the Grizzlies might have just gotten better by letting him go.