Memphis Grizzlies: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Drops 100% Honest Take on Being Part of the Desmond Bane Trade 1 Mar 24, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is guarded by Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Memphis Grizzlies: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Drops 100% Honest Take on Being Part of the Desmond Bane Trade

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 8:13 AM ET

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope can’t wait to suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies after the team traded for him, Cole Anthony, and a bunch of draft picks in exchange for Desmond Bane last week.

Speaking in the latest episode of Dawg Talk with J Mac and Kenny Gaines, the two-time NBA champion revealed what went through his mind upon learning the bombshell trade.

“I knew before everybody, it wasn’t really breaking news for me, but it happened Father’s Day,” Caldwell-Pope said. “I’m on vacation with my family… it’s literally about 11:30–11:35, almost noon, and I’m going to get something out of my bag, and my phone is vibrating, but I don’t get to it in time,” Caldwell-Pope narrated.

Memphis Grizzlies: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Drops 100% Honest Take on Being Part of the Desmond Bane Trade 2 Mar 2, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) drives around Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

“So I’m checking, and it’s my agent – he never calls me multiple times, so it’s literally like three to four times, like damn, let me get to my phone and call him back. As soon as I call, you just got traded to the Grizzlies… quick shock because it kinda hit me right there like, damn, it’s Father’s Day. I didn’t want to get this type of news; we could’ve at least waited until Monday,” he added.

Memphis Grizzlies reportedly looking for Desmond Bane’s replacement in the 2025 NBA Draft

The Memphis Grizzlies will likely use the 16th overall pick from this summer’s draft, which they acquired in the Desmond Bane trade, to select a young wing player.

Orlando Magic Trade KCP, Cole Anthony And Future Draft Picks for $197 Million Star 3 Mar 17, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) talks with forward Brandon Clarke (15) during a timeout during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

General manager Zach Kleiman has shown a knack for finding diamonds in the rough in the past few years, discovering the likes of Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama , John Konchar, Brandon Clarke, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, Trey Jemison, Jake LaRavia, and Vince Williams Jr.

According to HoopsHype, the Memphis Grizzlies have invited nine draft prospects to workouts, including LJ Cryer and Kobe Sanders, who could help fill in the void left by Bane.