Kevin Durant
The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t just ship off Desmond Bane for picks — they might have just cracked the Kevin Durant code.
After an ugly sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis wasted no time blowing things up. Bane, once considered part of the Grizzlies’ core alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., was dealt to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap. On its face, the trade looked like a lot for a potent but not superstar-level scorer. But zoom out a little, and it’s clear Memphis is playing a bigger game.
Desmond Bane Out, Draft Capital In
Bane, 26, averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on nearly 40% shooting from three. He was one of Memphis’ most consistent threats, but also one of its few trade chips with real value. By turning him into four unprotected firsts and a pick swap, the Grizzlies now have the arsenal to chase a megastar. One of those picks, notably, isPhoenix’s own 2026 first-rounder.
That’s not a throw-in. That’s leverage.
The Phoenix Suns mortgaged its future for the Durant-Booker-Beal Big Three, and after finishing 11th in the West with the most expensive roster in NBA history, the bill is due. The Suns don’t control their picks, which eliminates the incentive to tank. But if they were to reacquire their 2026 first from Memphis in a Durant trade? That suddenly shifts the equation — and gives the Suns permission to press reset.
Kevin Durant Wants Out — But Will Phoenix Listen?
Durant is on the way out. Everyone knows it. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, KD prefers Miami, San Antonio, or Houston, but Phoenixis prepared to make the best deal forthemselves — not for Durant’s wishlist.
That opens the door for a Memphis pivot. By swapping Bane for picks and matching salary in Caldwell-Pope, they’ve put themselves in a prime position to throw an offer Phoenix might bite on. Durant may not have Memphis in his top three, but a pairing with Ja Morant — along with Jaren Jackson Jr. and a strong bench — could be compelling enough for both sides to say yes.
KD Looks Miserable. The Grizzlies Are Watching.
Let’s be honest: Durant looks checked out in Phoenix. After being blindsided by trade talks in February and seeing his name floated in a near-deal to the Warriors, he can’t be thrilled. He’s still elite — averaging 26.6 points on absurd efficiency, including 50.9% on off-the-dribble jumpers — but the vibes in Arizona are ice cold.
Meanwhile, Memphis just cleared the board for a win-now swing. If they use the Bane haul to land Durant, it instantly vaults them from a fringe playoff team to a real contender in a crowded West. KD wouldn’t be joining a rebuild — he’d be the piece that pushes Memphis over the top.
Memphis Has a Window
Kevin Durant may prefer Miami. He may dream of Houston or trust San Antonio’s youth. But the team with the leverage and the right package right now? That’s Memphis. And if they pick up the phone soon, the Suns might listen.
Because trading Desmond Bane wasn’t waving the white flag, it was moving the knight to d5 — and preparing for checkmate.