Memphis Grizzlies signal a rebuild by trading away 26-year-old guard Desmond Bane

By Edcel Panganiban June 20, 2025 07:04

The Memphis Grizzlies have made a bold and surprising move in the 2025 NBA offseason by trading away 26-year-old guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. This deal signals a strategic shift for Memphis, often interpreted as the beginning of a rebuild or at least a significant roster reshaping phase.

The Trade Details and Immediate Impact

Memphis sent Desmond Bane, one of their premier scorers and arguably the best shooter in franchise history, to Orlando. In return, the Grizzlies received guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, along with a haul of draft assets: the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, unprotected first-round picks in 2026 (from Phoenix), 2028, and 2030, plus a 2029 first-round pick swap with light protection.

Bane, who averaged around 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists last season, was a key offensive weapon for Memphis and a respected locker room leader. His departure marks more than just a loss in scoring; it represents a philosophical change for the franchise.

Why Memphis Made the Move

The Grizzlies have faced a challenging few seasons, with playoff exits in the first round in 2023 and 2025 and missing the postseason entirely in 2024. While the team once looked poised to become a championship contender, recent setbacks and salary constraints have forced the front office to reconsider their path forward.

Memphis’s management views the trade as a way to gain long-term flexibility and assets. According to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the front office plans to use the acquired draft picks as trade assets to bring in established talent or to create financial room, potentially for a contract extension for star forward Jaren Jackson Jr.. This suggests that while the trade signals a shift, it is not a full rebuild but rather a recalibration aimed at sustaining competitiveness.

New Faces and Future Outlook

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a 12-year veteran known for his defensive prowess and durability, is expected to fill some of the perimeter defensive roles alongside Ja Morant. Though Caldwell-Pope is not the offensive force Bane was he shot just 34.2% from three last season and posted career-low scoring numbers his playoff experience and veteran presence are valuable for a team looking to stabilize.

Cole Anthony adds depth to the backcourt but may also be moved again due to a logjam at the backup point guard position.

What This Means for Orlando

For the Orlando Magic, acquiring Bane addresses a glaring weakness: outside shooting. Last season, Orlando ranked last in the NBA in three-point shooting at 31.8%, despite having promising young stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Bane’s ability to shoot nearly 40% from beyond the arc and his all-around game make him a perfect fit to help the Magic improve their offensive efficiency and deepen their playoff runs.

Quotes from the Trade

Damichael Cole noted, “Bane’s departure marks more than just the loss of offensive production. He had also taken on a key leadership role in the locker room.” Meanwhile, NBA insiders have described Memphis’s haul in the trade as a “perfect launching point” for reshaping the roster without fully committing to a rebuild.

The Desmond Bane trade is a franchise-altering move for the Memphis Grizzlies. While it may appear as a rebuild signal on the surface, the Grizzlies’ front office is clearly aiming for a more nuanced approach leveraging draft capital and veteran presence to remain competitive while retooling around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. For Orlando, the trade is a clear bet on immediate improvement and a stronger playoff push with a sharpshooter who fills a critical roster need.

This trade underscores the evolving strategies NBA teams employ to balance present competitiveness with future flexibility, marking a pivotal moment for both franchises as they chart their paths forward.