The Memphis Grizzlies’ decision to trade Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a haul of draft picks may be the beginning of something much bigger and potentially much more dramatic. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who was on SportsCenter, this wasn’t just a move for depth or flexibility. It may have signaled the start of a full-scale rebuild.
"What does this mean for the Grizzlies? This is now what is being asked in the league because this is a rebuild trade, okay? While Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has proven to be a key piece of a championship contender twice in his career, last season did not look like that, and he has gotten older and has a big contract."
"So this is a trade where the Grizzlies are pivoting a little bit, and it, you know, it's not an insane thing because, you know, if you look at the Western Conference and you look at how tough it is to compete, and you look at what Memphis, like, thinks about their hand, it may be the time to do a little bit of a pivot."
"There's not almost anybody in the Western Conference who is really rebuilding right now. Everyone's kind of got the gas put down, including the Jazz. The Jazz are intending to try to turn it up."
"And so what this means is, the next question is, what about Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.? And I don't know the answer to this. This is something that we're just started trying to figure out with this trade. The whole league is now going to investigate this, and we haven't heard from the Grizzlies yet."
"And if I was at the Grizzlies press conference, this is the number one question I would be asking. I wouldn't be asking about Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. I wouldn't be asking about Cole Anthony. I wouldn't be asking about those four first round picks."
'I'd be asking, do you intend to extend Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., both of whom are extension eligible this summer? Are you going to try to, is that what you're doing now, or are you pivoting the franchise? So to me, that's the big story emanating out of this trade."
Windhorst noted that the Western Conference is as competitive as ever, and nearly every team, except Memphis, is pushing to contend. That makes the Bane trade stand out even more.
In return for a 25-year-old two-way guard who had just averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, Memphis received short-term contracts and four first-round picks. It's a clear play for long-term flexibility rather than immediate improvement.
The ripple effects are already being felt. According to multiple insiders, Ja Morant’s situation is now “under investigation” around the league. There have been rumblings that Morant was unhappy with his role last season, particularly regarding touches and usage late in games.
Those frustrations reportedly boiled over before head coach Taylor Jenkins was abruptly fired with less than 10 games remaining in the regular season. The front office had reportedly placed Morant on the trade block earlier in the year, a claim that, at the time, was brushed off. Now, it's being taken seriously.
The Minnesota Timberwolves could be a legitimate landing spot if the Grizzlies explore trades. Pairing Morant with Anthony Edwards in the backcourt would create one of the most explosive duos in the NBA.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are also lurking. After trading away Jimmy Butler, they are aggressively pursuing a new star to keep their postseason identity intact. Morant would bring youth, electricity, and a fresh face to the franchise in South Beach.
And then there's Jaren Jackson Jr., whose contract situation just got more complicated. Had Jackson made an All-NBA team this year, he would have been eligible for a supermax extension worth up to $345.3 million over five years. Instead, his extension ceiling dropped to four years and $146.8 million.
That’s a nearly $200 million swing and it’s no secret he’s disappointed. Several teams, including the Lakers, are monitoring his situation closely.
L.A. is in desperate need of a long-term answer at center, and Jackson's age, defensive skillset, and stretch-five potential make him an ideal target.
For now, the Grizzlies have said nothing publicly about their intentions. But the league is reading between the lines, and the writing on the wall suggests a full pivot. The question is no longer just about what Memphis got in the Bane trade. It’s what they might give up next.
The NBA world is watching, and Memphis suddenly holds two of the most intriguing trade chips in the league.
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