Knicks-Grizzlies Report Drops After Major NBA Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 1:48 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies have made headlines since their blockbuster trade on Sunday that sent sharpshooter Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. In return, the Grizzlies acquired Kentavious Caldwell‑Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2029 pick-swap. The move stunned the NBA world, as Bane had been a major piece and key player for Memphis’ recent success alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Even before Bane’s departure, speculation swirled that the Grizzlies might be open to reconfiguring their star lineup. As the team battled injuries and postseason hiccups, there were rumors of the front office’s willingness to entertain offers involving top-tier personnel.

Now, following the trade on Sunday, a new report from Jake Fischer gave more insight into Memphis’ pursuits over the years, one involving New York Knicks forwards OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.

“The Grizzlies — from Mikal Bridges to OG Anunoby to Orlando’s own Franz Wagner — have made several aggressive trade pursuits of their own laden with draft capital in recent years, league sources say,” Fischer wrote via the Stein Line.

Orlando, Memphis and the Kevin Durant Trade Talks latest ... @JakeLFischer has done it again with a Monday Morning around-the-NBA notes compilation that is STACKED: https://t.co/imYE3gdXmb pic.twitter.com/5MHhr4Ew12
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2025

Had Memphis secured Anunoby in a prior trade, it would have significantly impacted its roster. The veteran two-way wing would have added perimeter defense and secondary scoring; however, the price would likely have been multiple first-round picks—assets the Grizzlies ultimately received in the Bane trade. This can also be said about Bridges.

Anunoby averaged 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in his first full season in New York. The 27-year-old helped the Knicks to the third seed and played a crucial role in their run to the Eastern Conference Finals — the franchise's first appearance in 25 years. Bridges was right behind him at 17.6 points this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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