The Memphis Grizzlies traded one of their top scorers in a blockbuster deal on Sunday, and some are now wondering if they could be headed for a total rebuild.
The Grizzlies have traded veteran guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and a first-round pick swap. Bane was one of Memphis’ best players and averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game across 69 contests this season.
Shortly after news of the deal surfaced, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested that the Grizzlies could now shop Ja Morant and/or Jaren Jackson Jr. in trade talks.
“What does this mean for the Grizzlies? This is now what is being asked in the league because this is a rebuild trade,” Windhorst said. “While Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has proven to be a key piece of a championship contender twice in his career, last season he did not look like that. He has gotten older and has a big contract. This is a trade where the Grizzlies are pivoting a little bit.”
Windhorst noted that most teams in the Western Conference have been aggressive in trying to contend for championships. That might make it an opportune time for the Grizzlies to trade one or more of their stars.
“The next question is what about Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.? I don’t know the answer to this,” Windhorst added. “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.?"@WindhorstESPN breaks down Desmond Bane being traded to the Magic ✍️ pic.twitter.com/IewXKxwjEj
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 15, 2025
Most fans agree that the Grizzlies got much, much more than they should have in return for Bane. They might look at that deal and wonder what they could get for Morant and Jackson. If Memphis can stockpile valuable future first-round picks, they would be in position to reset their roster and pursue other star players via trade.
Morant led the Grizzlies with 23.2 point per game this season. Jackson was not far behind with 22.2 points.
Morant, of course, has also had significant off-court issues. There has been talk for quite some time that Memphis could trade its 25-year-old star point guard, so perhaps they will at least explore the possibility in the coming weeks.
