In trading Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies moved on from a player who is possibly the best shooter in franchise history in a deal that has sweeping franchise implications, writes Damichael Cole for Memphis Commercial Appeal. In addition to his offensive workload, Bane had also assumed a prominent leadership role over the years.
Cole writes that despite moving Bane for a pick-heavy trade package, the Grizzlies aren’t expected to go into rebuild mode. Those picks will likely be used in trades, whether to bring in more talent or to clear space to help renegotiate Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s contract.
In the meantime, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will help shore up the perimeter defense around Ja Morant. While the shot creation will take a hit with the loss of Bane, Caldwell-Pope will still be a helpful floor spacer, despite a down year with the Magic.
We have more notes from the Grizzlies:
- Grizzlies fans shouldn’t be shocked if Cole Anthony is moved in a subsequent trade, as his fit with high-end backup point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is questionable, writes Spotrac’s Keith Smith. Smith writes that while the trade will provide long-term financial flexibility for Memphis, it eats into their ability to create cap space this summer, especially given the salary slot for the newly-acquired 16th pick in the 2025 draft.
- Kaldwell-Pope’s durability could be a valuable asset for a Grizzlies team that has struggled to keep its best players on the floor, writes Jonah Dylan for Memphis Commercial Appeal. The new shooting guard has never played fewer than 67 games in a season over his 12-year career. He also brings championship experience to a team that has struggled to make good on its potential in previous playoff runs.
- The Grizzlies are searching for a new top assistant for head coach Tuomas Iisalo‘s coaching staff, writes Marc Stein for The Stein Line. Names being considered include Adrian Griffin, Mavericks‘ assistant Jared Dudley, and Magic assistant Dale Osbourne.
