Apr 15, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) reacts after the Grizzlies were called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Grizzlies Executive Breaks Silence on Blockbuster Trade

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 12:20 AM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies were able to leave the 2025 NBA Draft with Cedric Coward, after making a trade up with the Portland Trail Blazers to land the draft riser Coward at the 11th overall pick. A player that seems like he can contribute to the Grizzlies next season, Memphis isn't in this position without trading away Desmond Bane.

Memphis traded Bane to start the offseason, sending him to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and several draft selections. Speaking to the media for the first time since the deal, Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman spoke about the blockbuster trade.

Kleiman said the Bane trade wasn't a decision that came lightly. They reached the point where they felt like they needed a different type of build.

"I think it's a great trade for Orlando. I hope it will be a win-win over time. ... Difficult decision."
— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) June 26, 2025

"I think it's a great trade for Orlando. I hope it will be a win-win over time. ... Difficult decision," Kleiman told the media. In addition, he mentioned that he felt the team reached a point where they needed a new direction, which meant parting ways with Bane.

Especially in this new era with the first and second aprons, holding onto Bane would've made things tough for the Grizzlies. With Jaren Jackson Jr. eligible for an extension this offseason, extending him and keeping Bane would mean the Grizzlies would have three players under contract likely making over $40 million going forward.

"It's a story of 'I'm gonna go get it'."

Cedric Coward's journey has 'Grit and Grind' written all over it @memgrizz @taylorrooks pic.twitter.com/L7FkY4rtwU
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 26, 2025

Now, with Coward joining Grizzlies rookie standout Jaylen Wells on the wing, a lot of pressure will still fall on Jackson Jr. and Morant to lead this team next year. However, Memphis could still make more moves, as it seems like the offseason is only getting started.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: