The Memphis Grizzlies sent shockwaves through the NBA on Sunday after trading away one of their core pieces in a deal that has everyone questioning the franchise’s direction.
The move has sparked immediate speculation about whether Memphis is preparing for a complete organizational overhaul.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst didn’t waste time addressing the elephant in the room, suggesting that even franchise cornerstones Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. could find themselves in trade discussions.
“The next question is what about Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.? I don’t know the answer to this,” Windhorst said during a recent ESPN SportsCenter Live appearance. “This is something that we’re just sort of trying to figure out with this trade. The whole league is now going to investigate this. I’d be asking do you intend to extend Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., both of whom are extension eligible this summer. Is that what you’re doing now, or are you pivoting the franchise?”
"The next question is: What about Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.?" 👀👀
– Brian Windhorst
(🎥 @ESPNNBA )
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 15, 2025
The trade that triggered all this speculation sent veteran guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for a substantial package.
Memphis received Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a future pick swap.
Bane had established himself as a legitimate building block, averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 69 games this season.
Moving a player of his caliber and production suggests the Grizzlies are reconsidering their timeline.
While Caldwell-Pope brings championship experience from his time with title-winning teams, his performance dipped last season.
His age and contract situation raise questions about his long-term fit in Memphis.
As most Western Conference franchises push aggressively toward title contention, the Grizzlies appear to be charting a different course.
This trade signals a clear pivot, perhaps not a complete rebuild but definitely a fundamental shift in organizational philosophy that could reshape the franchise’s future.
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