The Memphis Grizzlies are sending Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, 4 unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap. This is the first major domino to fall for what is expected to be a very active offseason in Memphis.
Being the 30th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Desmond Bane's time in Memphis proved to be a successful one. He outperformed his draft expectations, becoming a reliable scorer and building a reputation as one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA.
Desmond Bane was a pivotal piece in bringing playoff basketball back to Memphis alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Ultimately, Bane's recent playoff struggles and the size of his current deal made this deal more likely.
The Writing was on the Wall
Zach Kleiman said during this year's exit interview that the team is not close and that he needed to be open-minded about roster construction. There had been previous debates about whether the team should move any of the big three or run it back with them for another season. However, it appears that Kleiman remains confident in Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. and felt that the roster around them needed a reset.
The Grizzlies will receive this year's 16th overall pick, a 2026 first-round pick (via Phoenix), swap rights to a 2029 first-round pick, and Orlando's 2028 and 2030 unprotected picks. The Grizzlies did not previously own a first-round pick this year, but owning this year's 16th pick could allow them to select players such as Nique Clifford or Adou Thiero.
Also, they could trade the pick for another star such as Trey Murphy III or Deni Avdija. Most importantly, the Grizzlies bought themselves significantly more flexibility this offseason.
It remains to be seen what the Grizzlies will do with Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. With Scottie Pippen Jr. already proving to be a reliable backup point guard, it seems likely that Cole Anthony will be rerouted in another trade. However, Caldwell-Pope could be a reliable 3-and-D veteran in the short term for the Grizzlies or end up in another large-scale trade.
It is difficult to see a fan favorite such as Desmond Bane get traded. However, this is a move that could end up putting the Grizzlies closer to title contention. With pressure being at an all-time high for Zach Kleiman, this is an impressive first move of a pivotal offseason in team history. A lot can happen in the coming weeks, but this could signal the start of an exciting roster revamp in Memphis.