Memphis Grizzlies' New Depth Chart After Trading Desmond Bane

The Memphis Grizzlies will be seeing some major changes to their rotation with the recent trade of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. In what is effectively a move signalling a roster overhaul, the Grizzlies are likely to see more trades in the offseason as well. But, at the given moment, Memphis has seen the arrival of quality draft picks and some veteran guards.

The trade with the Magic saw the Grizzlies give up a young star in Desmond Bane, a tremendous offensive force when paired with their superstar, Ja Morant. 

In return, Memphis received four unprotected first-round draft picks, as well as a pick swap in draft capital. Aside from draft assets, the Grizzlies also received solid veterans in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony. 

Caldwell-Pope is coming off a rather underwhelming season, averaging 8.7 points on shooting splits of 43.9% from the field and 34.2% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Anthony has seen a progressive reduction in playing time over the past few seasons, which has drastically affected his stats. An average of 9.4 points per game is disappointing for a player of his caliber, but he still has potential considering he is only 25 years old.

With the new arrivals signalling changes to the rotations, we take a look at the potential depth chart for the Grizzlies for the 2025-26 season.

Depth Chart

PG: Ja Morant, Cole Anthony, Scotty Pippen Jr., Yuki Kawamura

SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Luke Kennard, Vince Williams Jr., John Konchar

SF: Jaylen Wells, Lamar Stevens, GG Jackson

PF: Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, Marvin Bagley III

C: Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, Jay Huff

Starting Lineup:

Ja Morant, Kentavious-Caldwell Pope, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey

There is a very real chance that this may not be the final rotation for the Memphis Grizzlies. The likelihood of Santi Aldama slipping into the small forward position ahead of Jaylen Wells appears to be a possibility, owing to his versatility in the position.

The Grizzlies will see a lot of variations to their lineup, primarily due to the number of players heading into free agency this offseason. Aldama headlines this list of players, having garnered attention from a few teams in trade rumors as well.

It is quite clear that Caldwell-Pope will slide into the starting shooting guard spot in place of Bane. As a seasoned player capable of playing a key role on the defensive end of the floor while also serving as an outlet to provide perimeter shooting.

The frontcourt remains solid all the same with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey in the mix. Jackson Jr.'s mobility as a big man, along with his perimeter shooting, makes for a formidable pairing with Edey's strong inside presence. 

The duo has been effective together on the floor, and Memphis would be best served by preserving this, especially considering how well Morant works with Edey.

The Bench

Cole Anthony, Scotty Pippen Jr., Yuki Kawamura, Luke Kennard, Vince Williams Jr., John Konchar, Zyon Pullin (Two-Way), Lamar Stevens, GG Jackson, Santi Aldama, Marvin Bagley III, Brandon Clarke, Jay Huff

The bench rotation for the Grizzlies may be a little bit of a challenge to understand, given the potential players leaving in free agency. For the point guard position, Cole Anthony appears to be a solid first choice off the bench in the scheme of things. 

But Scotty Pippen Jr. also displayed a lot of potential as the reserve point guard last season. Pippen Jr.'s averages of 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists were quite impressive when considering the additional work he was putting in on the defensive end.

In the shooting guard position, Luke Kennard has been an effective presence for the Grizzlies. His averages of 8.9 points of 43.3% from beyond the arc made him lethal on the floor. But because he is a free agent, there is a likelihood that Vince Williams Jr. may step into his place.

The 24-year-old averaged only 6.6 points last season while shooting 40.1% from the field and 27.6% from beyond the arc. Given that he only played in 27 games, there is a lot of room for growth.

In the small forward position, Jaylen Wells is likely to be the first choice off the bench, along with GG Jackson. Wells averaged 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds on 42.5% shooting from the field and 35.2% shooting from beyond the arc, a solid display for his rookie season.

Meanwhile, Jackson averaged 7.2 points and 3.2 rebounds last season. While he only played in 29 games total, the Grizzlies seem very convinced about his potential at only 20 years old. 

The power forward position and center positions are fairly flexible. With Brandon Clarke switching between positions, Jay Huff is the most likely alternative for the center spot. In this regard, Marvin Bagley III could also be valuable, but he will also be questionable to return since he is an unrestricted free agent.

The lineups for Memphis are likely to look much different next season. With players such as Jackson Jr. also appearing to be on the trade block, the Grizzlies may simply be on the verge of a full-scale rebuild.