The NBA Finals continue to captivate basketball fans, but the Memphis Grizzlies have already stolen headlines with a franchise-altering move.
The organization sent star guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a substantial collection of draft assets.
The blockbuster deal represents more than just roster restructuring.
Colin Cowherd believes this trade signals something much deeper about Memphis’s future plans, particularly regarding Ja Morant.
“This league is overwhelmingly won by Bigs and unbelievable wings, not by small guys who are hyper athletic and can’t shoot. So, I never bought into the Ja Morant stuff. I’d like him as my two or my three, but I can’t build around him. And Memphis, finally acknowledging, ‘Yeah, we can’t build around him,'” Cowherd said on ‘The Herd.’
"Memphis is finally acknowledging "Yeah, we can't build around him.""@colincowherd says trading Desmond Bane signals the end of the Ja Morant era in Memphis. pic.twitter.com/KVrUblrvSC
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) June 16, 2025
The sports analyst views the Bane trade as evidence that the Grizzlies have entered full rebuild mode.
More significantly, he interprets the move as management losing faith in building around Morant as their cornerstone player.
Cowherd has consistently questioned the sustainability of constructing a championship contender around explosive but undersized guards who struggle with injuries and outside shooting.
The concerns extend beyond just physical limitations.
Cowherd points to consistency issues, declining shooting percentages, and broader questions about reliability and maturity.
He argues that Memphis has finally recognized what he considers a fundamental flaw in its long-term strategy.
The trade package certainly reflects serious asset accumulation.
The Grizzlies secured the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Phoenix’s 2026 first-round selection, Orlando’s unprotected first-round picks in 2028 and 2030, plus a lightly protected pick swap in 2029.
Whether this truly marks the beginning of Morant’s departure from Memphis remains uncertain.
However, the substantial draft capital suggests the organization is preparing for significant changes ahead.
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