The trembling of the nearly finished NBA season began around the league, with the Memphis Grizzlies kicking their first Domino by trading Desmond Bain.
Desmond Bain was traded for Kentavius Caldwell Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and Orlando Magic.
This left the members of the original Memphis Grizzlies “Big 3,” and Ja Morant and Jalen Jackson Jr. remained in town to build it.
The move comes out of nowhere, but Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman had already hinted at it when the team was eliminated.
It is often said that things are talking right after being eliminated in the heat of the moment, and rarely follows.
However, for the Grizzlies, the 2024/25 season was a major step back as he finished as the eighth seed.
The loss of the Golden State Warriors at Play Inn made them the lambs for the massacre against the rampaging Oklahoma City Thunder.
Clearly, the roster built had not reached competition as the surrounding teams had improved significantly.
After its abolishment, general manager Zach Kleiman sent an ominous warning to the team. The initial results are clearly seen in the Bane trade.
Clyman said: “It’s a shame. There’s a lot to sort here. 48 wins. Good for 8 seeds, but who cares? That’s not enough.”
Bane will definitely be overlooked by fans, but the reality is that he took a step back after last season’s breakout.
Jackson is a big stretching the unusual floor, a defensive threat at his best.
Bane’s skill set was an overqualified 3&D player skill set that could effectively become the perfect foil for a superstar, but never become himself.
This is where this move begins and the Grizzlies should be given the merits of the hauling they have earned by trading him.
Getting a swap from the four picks and magic isn’t a genuine competitor as it stands, but it’s a massive return that the Grizzlies can expect to move to bolster around Jackson and Morant.
It was on their agenda that landed the third superstar, and the team would be in a much better position when they swing and land on their current assets.
At this point, Bane’s value against the Grizzlies was undoubtedly more as a trade chip than as a player. Returns prove that.