In trading Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies moved on from a player who is possibly the best shooter in franchise history in a deal that has sweeping franchise implications, writes Damichael Cole for Memphis Commercial Appeal. In addition to his offensive workload, Bane had also assumed a prominent leadership role over the years.
Cole writes that despite moving Bane for a pick-heavy trade package, the Grizzlies aren’t expected to go into rebuild mode. Those picks will likely be used in trades, whether to bring in more talent or to clear space to help renegotiate Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s contract.
In the meantime, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will help shore up the perimeter defense around Ja Morant. While the shot creation will take a hit with the loss of Bane, Caldwell-Pope will still be a helpful floor spacer, despite a down year with the Magic.
We have more notes from the Grizzlies:
- Grizzlies fans shouldn’t be shocked if Cole Anthony is moved in a subsequent trade, as his fit with high-end backup point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is questionable, writes Spotrac’s Keith Smith. Smith writes that while the trade will provide long-term financial flexibility for Memphis, it eats into their ability to create cap space this summer, especially given the salary slot for the newly-acquired 16th pick in the 2025 draft.
- Caldwell-Pope’s durability could be a valuable asset for a Grizzlies team that has struggled to keep its best players on the floor, writes Jonah Dylan for Memphis Commercial Appeal. The new shooting guard has never played fewer than 67 games in a season over his 12-year career. He also brings championship experience to a team that has struggled to make good on its potential in previous playoff runs.
- The Grizzlies are searching for a new top assistant for head coach Tuomas Iisalo‘s coaching staff, writes Marc Stein for The Stein Line. Names being considered include Adrian Griffin, Mavericks‘ assistant Jared Dudley, and Magic assistant Dale Osbourne.
This is a great trade by Orlando. They desperately needed 3 point shooting, and they got a guy who is not only Top 3 in the NBA in catch and shoot threes, he can also initiate the offense whenever Paolo is injured, and plays tough defense. The PHX pick is like a quadruple swap, so its really three 1sts and two swaps and they got off the bad KCP contract and got a Top 40 NBA guy to pair with Paolo, Franz, and Jalen. This team has a shot in the Eastern Conference now.
The Nuggets should have hopped in that deal and got back KCP for cheap.
That 2026 pick is Suns pick -90% chance
I’d trade up
Trade 2026 Suns pick and 16th pick for 5th pick
Jazz like Suns pick
I think keeping KCP makes a ton of sense. Veteran 3 point shooter who is also a great defender.
Memphis needs a SF that can act as a 2nd option on offence with 20+ points per game. He needs to be able to shoot well from 3 and not be a liability on defence. I don’t think they should look at a KD who will guy their roster and take all their draft capital. Instead it should be a Brandon Ingram, Cam Johnson level player.
Cam isn’t exactly a second option, he’s never averaged more than 20 a game, he’s now 29 although his contract is an easy match.
Brandon is a consistent 20+ points per game guy, who’s only 27 and now recently extended. His deal maybe harder to match and he only shots 36% from 3 but he’s a capable 2.
Trey Murphy just put up 21 last season, he’s only 24 he shoots roughly 38% from 3 and his contact is recently extended and is easily matchable. The cost will be more than the previous 2 but he could be a great fit.
MPJ again good age, decent enough defender, not quite a 20 points per game guy but excellent shooter but difficult to match salaries.
Lastly Miles Bridges, good age, alright defensively, decent contract and 20 points per game level scorer although not great from deep, potential issues off the floor and not a proven 2 at all.
These should be their targets
Now… do they trade Ja and really start over and go Thunder style.