The Memphis Grizzlies endured a tumultuous 2024-25 season that saw the team go 48-34 but stumble late, falling from the second seed all the way to the eighth seed and prompting the front office to relieve Taylor Jenkins of his head-coaching duties with nine games remaining.
Entering the play-in tournament, Memphis defeated the Dallas Mavericks, only to be swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The disappointing finish sparked immediate offseason maneuvering, resulting in a blockbuster trade that sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic.
Memphis Grizzlies guards Ja Morant (12) and Desmond Bane (22)
Memphis Grizzlies guards Ja Morant (12) and Desmond Bane (22).
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Grizzlies took to social media to thank one of their cornerstone players, marking a bittersweet end of Desmond Bane’s five-year run in Memphis, where he blossomed into an All-Star-caliber two-way guard.
“Thank you @DBane0625 for five great years ðð»”
The full details of the trade: Memphis sent Bane to the Orlando Magic for shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, guard Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks (2026 via Phoenix Suns, 2028, 2030 and this year’s No. 16 overall) and a 2029 first-round pick swap. This haul instantly bolsters Memphis’ future draft capital and adds veteran backcourt depth.
Bane’s 2024-25 numbers underscore why he brought such value. Over 69 games during the regular season, he averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals, shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from 3-point range.
Caldwell-Pope arrives on a two-year contract, offering 8.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in 2024-25 while shooting 34.2% from deep. Cole Anthony adds upside as a former No. 15 pick, averaging 9.4 points and 2.9 assists over 67 games for Orlando.
With Memphis now holding four unprotected first-round picks and roughly $25 million in cap space, the franchise could explore offers that package one — or even both — of their All-Stars, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant.