With just two weeks to go before the 2025 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies swung a blockbuster trade with the Orlando Magic. The bulk of the trade involved the Grizzlies sending Desmond Bane to the Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four future first-round picks (including No. 16 in June 25’s draft), and a future pick swap.
The biggest takeaways were that the Magic became stronger contenders after reaching the Eastern Conference Playoffs, but getting eliminated in the first round. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies undoubtedly took a step back.
Some, like ESPN’s NBA insider Brian Windhorst, see this trade as a signal that the Grizzlies’ next move could be toward a rebuilding effort. If Bane unexpectedly got traded for four future firsts, would Memphis consider putting Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr. on the table?
“This is a rebuild trade. While KCP has proven to be a key piece of a championship contender, this is a trade where the Grizzlies are pivoting a bit. Look at how tough it is to compete in the Western Conference. It may the time to do a little bit of a pivot. There is not almost anybody in the Western Conference who is rebuilding right now. So what this means is, the next question is what about Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.?”
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies can take their franchise in a number of different directions now. Perhaps they saw the Bane offer from Orlando as one that was simply way too good to pass up on. Yet, trading Bane doesn’t necessarily mean a Morant or Jackson trade is up for discussion too.
Ultimately, we should learn more during the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25, or shortly after when free agency kicks off on June 30. For now, the Grizzlies have some roster reconstruction to do before looking like contenders again.
Related: Insider names 3 teams most likely to trade up in 2025 NBA Draft, including Oklahoma City Thunder
Sports fan since birth. I am also passionate about cars, music, and anything funny. Minnesotan, born and raised. Maybe ... More about Andrew Buller-Russ