Trading Desmond Bane continues to be one of the more intriguing stories for the Memphis Grizzlies as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. He had established himself as a high-level, near-star quality of player, but the organization decided that they had reached their ceiling with him as the third option next to Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Whether that bet pays off remains to be seen, but the team made that calculated decision to confirm they have belief in the tandem of Morant and Jackson Jr. Contracts played a huge part in that as Jaren Jackson Jr. was due for an extension, and it was hard to envision paying three players max-level money for a team that was just swept in the first round of the playoffs.
Many thought the Grizzlies would exhaust all options to keep all three players for at least another season, but the Orlando Magic offered a trade the team couldn't refuse. While the Grizzlies have current assets from that trade who are expected to contribute this season, another asset received will be their most prized possession from that trade.
The Phoenix Suns' first round pick is top tier value
The Grizzlies received four first-round draft picks in their trade with the Orlando Magic, but one of those picks belongs to the Phoenix Suns. This is the same Phoenix Suns team that traded Kevin Durant and agreed to a buyout with Bradley Beal this offseason after a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs last year.
Due to protections, the Grizzlies would receive the less favorable of the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards pick if it finishes between one through eight, which is still great news. The Wizards are expected to be the second-worst team in the league this season, while the Suns are projected as fifth-worst according to DraftKings Sportsbook's Win Total projection.
If the season were to go as planned in that scenario, and the lottery system follows suit, it would mean the Grizzlies receive a top-five draft pick in what is anticipated to be a loaded 2026 draft class. Regardless of the unlikelihood of both situations playing out exactly as projected, the Grizzlies sit in a great position to receive a high lottery pick next season as the Suns rebuild their roster.
It is never easy trading away homegrown talent, especially one that outplayed his draft position as Desmond Bane did after being selected with the last pick of the first round in the 2020 NBA Draft. However, his final gift to the team ensured the Grizzlies will remain competitive in the future if they play their cards right.