The Desmond Bane commerce final summer time despatched shockwaves all through the league and stunned each the Grizzlies and Magic fanbases. Desmond Bane has been unimaginable for the Magic these days, nevertheless it nonetheless stays crystal clear that the Grizzlies made the right determination.
The initial reaction was interesting to see. Some thought the Grizzlies fleeced the Magic whereas others thought Orlando made the right win-now move. At the time the Grizzlies ended up trading Desmond Bane for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, 4 unprotected first-round picks, and a decide swap.
In 63 video games, Desmond Bane is presently averaging 20.4 factors, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists despite getting off to a sluggish begin. The Magic are choosing up momentum these days, and certainly one of the most important causes is Desmond Bane.
We’re a couple of weeks away from judging the first full season of the commerce. However, there have been sufficient video games performed to comprehend that this was a mutually helpful commerce. Even although Bane has given Orlando a much-needed increase, the Grizzlies had been right to move on in a unique path.
Grizzlies had to enhance the stability of their roster
Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. had been as soon as certainly one of the most promising cores in the NBA. Unfortunately, it was turning into more and more clear that the trio seemingly wouldn’t have been in a position to ship a championship to Memphis. Even although there have been accidents and failures associated to roster development and training, the trio wasn’t exhibiting the indicators of with the ability to defeat the Western Conference’s elite groups.
The Grizzlies struggled considerably after the commerce deadline final season and ended up firing Taylor Jenkins simply 9 video games earlier than the common season ended. While the depth was positively not sturdy sufficient to upset the Oklahoma City Thunder, performances from stars similar to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane made the determination simpler to pivot in a unique path.
Grizzlies have extra alternatives to enhance the roster’s expertise
Using the 2028 first-round decide acquired from the Bane commerce and extra belongings, the Grizzlies traded as much as #11 to pick out Cedric Coward, and it was clearly the right selection. While Kentavious Caldwell-Pope didn’t give the on-court manufacturing the Grizzlies wished from the longtime veteran, it’s clear that they struck gold with the Cedric Coward decide.
Cedric Coward has been certainly one of the finest rookies in the whole 2025 NBA Draft class thus far, averaging 13.4 factors, 6.2 rebounds, and a pair of.8 assists in 50 video games. It is obvious that he possesses significant potential. However, the key issue to think about right here is that getting off of Bane’s contract allowed the Grizzlies to get the manufacturing of Coward whereas additionally having the flexibility so as to add extra gamers.
As part of the commerce, the Grizzlies additionally bought the most favorable decide between the Suns and Magic. Even although the Magic have considerably improved these days, there may be nonetheless an opportunity they find yourself in the Play-In Tournament. Regardless, the extra favorable of the Phoenix and Orlando picks ought to land in the teenagers in what’s a really stacked 2026 NBA Draft.
The Grizzlies may have a number of drafts and free company to spice up the high-end expertise on the roster for the new rebuild. It isn’t simple to lose fan favorites, similar to Desmond Bane. Even although this has been a difficult season in Memphis and Bane is prospering in Orlando, the Grizzlies trading him was clearly the best option long-term.
