The Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane this summer to break up their big three core of him, Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. from the last four seasons. Bane is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA and developed his offensive game to become a microwave scorer, but failed to become an All-Star caliber player in the Western Conference.
While he may become an All-Star with the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference, the depth of the guard position in the West, combined with his contract, made it unlikely for him to achieve that feat. Currently, the Grizzlies have two All-Stars, which should be enough to contend for an NBA title, but obtaining a third player on that level would make them undeniable.
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman has an excellent drafting track record and has a couple of young players on the roster capable of making that leap. Also, the assets he received in the trade for Desmond Bane could allow them to seek another All-Star caliber player via trade.
1. Another Star on another team
The Grizzlies have one of the best value assets in the league with the Phoenix Suns' 2026 first-round draft pick. The Suns are projected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA this season, so the Grizzlies are positioned to secure a high lottery pick in next year's draft.
An All-Star caliber player to target with that pick who would solve their biggest position of question would be Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. The former All-Star starter hasn't played a postseason game in his eight-year career, and is on a team that is rebuilding. A trade of that caliber could check all boxes for each relevant party.
2. Zach Edey
The Grizzlies' starting center had the best stretch of his rookie season when Tuomas Iisalo took over as head coach. He was utilized in pick-and-roll situations more often and possesses the potential as a low-post scorer when the game slows down. Being more utilized for easy scores will be key to Edey making an All-Star leap.
3. Cedric Coward/GG Jackson
If trading for a player like Markkanen or another dynamic wing player doesn't happen, it means the team is satisfied with the progression of one or both of their young wings. GG Jackson's scoring potential fits what the team would want from one of the NBA's premier positions, but his defense and playmaking need significant improvement.
Cedric Coward is an unknown at this point, but he was highly sought in the latter part of the draft lottery last month. The Grizzlies traded two of their four first-round picks received in the trading of Desmond Bane to draft the young wing, who has potential as a jack-of-all-trades player at the small forward position.