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Featured image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Scotty Pippen Jr. won the Grizzlies–Magic Trade

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Aleksandar Mishkov | Last updated Jun 15, 2025 4:04 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic started the trade season. The two teams executed a big trade, with Memphis sending Desmond Bane to Orlando. On the other side, the Magic sent Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, along with four first-round picks and a pick swap. But the big winner of the trade is Scotty Pippen Jr, with the potential of signing a big contract next summer.

Scotty Pippen Jr. won the Grizzlies-Magic Trade

When the Grizzlies signed Pippen Jr. to a two-way, multi-year contract last summer, they did it to bolster their depth. But Pippen outplayed his two-way contract, averaging 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 48% shooting from the floor and 39.7% from behind the arc. In the playoffs, when Ja Morant went down with an injury, Pippen was even better. He scored 28 and 30 points in Games 3 and 4, respectively.

Pippen is two years younger than Bane, and he will play for only $2.2 million next season. On the other hand, Bane will earn $36 million. And in this year’s playoffs, Pippen was the better player.

Apr 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) shoots during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game three for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Scotty Pippen Jr. Can Sign a Big Contract Soon

The Grizzlies have already saved $2 million this year by turning Bane into two rotational players. Together, Caldwell-Pope and Anthony earn $2 million less than Desmond. They are also on shorter deals, with Anthony having a team option for the 2026-27 season and KCP a player option for the same year. On the other hand, Bane has a guaranteed contract through the 2028-29 season. He is set to earn $44.8 million in his last season.

With all those savings, the Grizzlies can invest in a new, richer contract for Pippen. He might be a smaller guard, but Pippen has a lot of potential. And they can sign him to a contract in the $15 to $20 million range. Those savings will come in handy this summer when Memphis tries to negotiate an extension with Jaren Jackson Jr. By trading Bane, they ensured they would have money for Pippen and afford a richer extension for Jackson Jr.

Preparing for the Summer of 2026

The Grizzlies were already scheduled to have some money in the summer of 2026. But with this trade, they saved money for next season and can shed more salary in the summer if they need to. If they decline Anthony’s team option for the 2026-27 season, they will shed $13 million off their salary. They can also use KCP and Anthony for another trade. They are both on team-friendly contracts, and the Grizzlies got several picks they can use in a trade as well.

Right now, the Grizzlies have $119 million in committed salary for the 2026-27 season. That salary takes into account the money Bane would have earned. With his contract out and the possibility of KCP declining his player option, they will be well under the cap in the summer of 2026. Of course, first, they have to take care of the extension for JJJ and decide on a new contract for Santi Aldama. However, with the NBA salary cap rising by 10% per season, they have the potential to have cap space in 2026.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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