First Free Agency Trade Unveiled: Grizzlies Send Bane to Magic, Spark Rebuild Speculation as Lakers Eye Jaren Jackson Jr.
The first blockbuster trade of the offseason is official: per Shams Charania, the Grizzlies have dealt Desmond Bane to the Magic for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. The move has ignited league-wide conjecture about Memphis’ next steps.
After acquiring four first-rounders for Bane, NBA executives (universally) view Memphis as triggering a rebuild. The trade gives the Grizzlies 11 first-round picks (including 4 unprotected) over the next seven years—their largest asset accumulation since 2019. Focus now shifts to stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., with multiple teams monitoring their availability.
Media Reactions:
Fullcourtpass: "Does this signal a full rebuild, or will Memphis continue building around Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.?"
APHoops: "Six of their seven rotation players had significant minutes last season. Unless a second wave of moves follows, this is perplexing."
Famed analyst Bill Simmons tweeted: "Watching Rob Pelinka trade Rui Hachimura and a 2032 first-round pick for Jaren Jackson Jr. as we speak."
This comes after Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman’s post-season comments resurfaced: "A disappointing season. 48 wins ranked 8th in the West, but that means nothing—nowhere near our standards."
With a war chest of draft picks and cap flexibility, the Grizzlies stand at a crossroads. Will they trade Morant and Jackson to fully reset, or attempt to reload around their stars? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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