The Memphis Grizzlies shocked the basketball world last Sunday with a blockbuster trade that sent starting guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic.
The move immediately sparked conversations about whether Memphis was entering full rebuild mode, but the situation appears more complex than initial reactions suggested.
The Grizzlies received significant compensation for their core player, landing four first-round picks and a swap despite taking on some unwanted salary.
That kind of return provides substantial flexibility rather than forcing the franchise into any specific direction.
During a recent episode of FS1’s Breakfast Ball, analyst Craig Carton suggested Memphis might not be finished making moves.
“I think there will be another trade where they’ll flip these picks to somewhere else, not necessarily to replace Bane’s style of game, but to give Ja another scorer. Because you have to out West, right? If they’re playing the East, maybe they keep it together, because they would be one of the better teams in the East, but they’re not at the West,” Carton said.
.@craigcartonlive thinks the Grizzlies are loading up to trade for another scorer to pair with Ja Morant 👀
“I think they’ll flip these picks—not to replace Bane’s game, but to give Ja another scorer.” pic.twitter.com/mmSI0GZENj
— Breakfast Ball (@BrkfstBallOnFS1) June 16, 2025
The Grizzlies now face a fascinating crossroads with multiple viable paths forward.
They could use their newly acquired draft capital to pursue established players and accelerate their return to contention.
The Western Conference demands elite talent, and Memphis clearly recognizes the challenge of competing against teams like Denver, Phoenix, and Golden State.
Alternatively, this trade could signal the beginning of a strategic rebuild.
Memphis controls all its future first-round picks, holds a potentially valuable Phoenix selection, and now possesses three picks plus a swap from Orlando.
Additional moves involving Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant could create an impressive asset collection.
The situation mirrors Oklahoma City’s position when the Thunder traded Paul George, not from desperation but from a position of strength.
Memphis appears to have similar leverage and opportunity heading into what promises to be an eventful offseason.
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