Desmond Bane Trade Signals Shift For Grizzlies, But Not A Rebuild

The Memphis Grizzlies made a franchise-altering move by trading Desmond Bane, a player many consider the best shooter in team history, according to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Bane’s departure marks more than just the loss of offensive production. He had also taken on a key leadership role in the locker room.

Despite the return being heavy on draft picks, Memphis is not expected to enter rebuild mode. Cole notes that the front office plans to use those picks as trade assets, either to bring in established talent or to create financial room for a potential renegotiation of Jaren Jackson Jr.’s contract.

In the short term, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is expected to boost the team’s perimeter defense alongside Ja Morant. While Caldwell-Pope isn’t the offensive force Bane was, his outside shooting and veteran presence should help balance the lineup, despite a dip in production last season with the Magic.

More from Memphis:

• Spotrac’s Keith Smith writes that guard Cole Anthony could be on the move again, given the roster’s logjam at backup point guard with Scotty Pippen Jr. The trade, Smith notes, gives Memphis long-term financial flexibility, but limits their short-term cap space –particularly with the salary tied to the newly acquired 16th pick in the 2025 draft.

• Jonah Dylan of the Commercial Appeal points to Caldwell-Pope’s durability as a welcome addition. The 12-year veteran has played at least 67 games in every season of his career and brings playoff experience to a Grizzlies team that’s looking to take the next step after several injury-plagued campaigns.

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