My First Reaction to Des' Trade
Boom
When Desmond Bane was traded, I was sitting in a coffee shop writing. My reaction was just like yours—and by coincidence, I happened to be wearing a Bane T-shirt that day. It felt like fate. Here are my first thoughts:
Zach Kleiman continues to show his skill in making smart moves. Looking at this trade from a neutral point of view, the Grizzlies clearly came out ahead. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had a poor shooting season, but he has a solid track record, is extremely durable, and is not too old. Cole Anthony is very athletic, can play both with and without the ball, and brings high energy—he’s more than good enough to be a scoring option off the bench. And getting four unprotected first-round picks is incredible, especially considering the 2026 pick from the Phoenix Suns could be quite valuable. If the Orlando Magic don’t achieve much over the next three years, the 2028 and 2030 picks could become key assets for the Grizzlies’ next chapter—whether they extend Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. and keep competing or decide to rebuild. Either way, this trade helps both the present and the future, and breaking one big contract into two smaller ones also gives the team more flexibility.
Earlier this season, Bane’s numbers dropped because the team didn’t run a pick-and-roll system and his usage went down. Then in the playoffs, he faced the one team best equipped to shut down his style. His physical limitations were exposed by Jalen Williams. Ask any non-Grizzlies fan—they might think Bane was at the lowest point of his career value. But actually, since early 2025, Bane’s regular-season efficiency bounced back. His finishing numbers this season were even the best of his career. I don’t think he’s declining. His $40 million-per-year salary depends on perspective. As a third option on a playoff team, he’s a luxury. But as a third option on a title contender, he might not be enough. We’ve already seen his ceiling.
At the season-ending press conference, I noticed something strange—Zach Kleiman talked for 25 minutes but barely mentioned Bane. He only focused on Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. At the time, it felt weird. He kept talking about wanting to trade for “dog-type” players. Now with Caldwell-Pope and Anthony, he’s clearly following through.
I’m excited to hear Kleiman speak next. With more than 10 first-round picks and 100 second-rounders, I don’t think he’s done making moves. If they’re interested in Deni Avdija, does that mean Santi Aldama is no longer part of the plan? It’s only June—maybe more surprises are coming.
Desmond Bane has been one of my favorite players. I’ve often said on my podcast that I hoped he would stay in Memphis for his whole career and have his jersey retired. Sadly, that won’t happen now. He helped win the only playoff series the Grizzlies have taken in the past ten years. He fought through games with a team full of injuries and always competed hard. He earned every penny of his contract. When he returns to play in Memphis next season, I’ll be in the crowd wearing your T-shirt. Best of luck, Memphis’ best shooter ever.
