Are the Memphis Grizzlies preparing for a complete rebuild, or are they doubling down on building around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.?
In the first major move ahead of next week’s NBA Draft, the Grizzlies sent 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.
The trade immediately strengthens Orlando’s perimeter shooting and enhances their starting lineup around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Meanwhile, it gives Memphis some financial leeway as they prepare to offer Jaren Jackson Jr. a significant extension.
So, is Memphis tearing things down? According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, who spoke on The Pat McAfee Show, the answer is no. He clarified that the move was about financial flexibility and roster versatility—not a full-scale teardown.
“The Bane deal is something that not many people in the league expected,” Charania said. “But you think about it from Memphis’s perspective, it allowed them to get all these draft assets … that was a major haul they were able to get. And now they can use those picks to continue to build … around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. This is a move for them to pivot … have more youth and have more flexibility. They have to pay Jaren Jackson Jr. this offseason and that allows them to do so. And everything they’ve done [including firing Taylor Jenkins] is to build around Ja Morant.”
All eyes will be on Memphis to see how they navigate next season. As for the Magic, they’re now seen as serious contenders in an Eastern Conference lacking dominant depth.
