Back in 2021, it looked like the Memphis Grizzlies had all the time in the world with their trio of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. Memphis was coming off a playoff appearance and with their youth, it felt like they would be the next premier team in the Western Conference.
Fast forward four years later and that trio has led the Grizzlies to one playoff series win in that span. Their head coach Taylor Jenkins was fired in March and Bane was traded to the Orlando Magic this week for an impressive haul.
With the Grizzlies parting ways with Bane, their focus is now on retooling around Morant and Jackson Jr. The haul they got should allow them to fill a need they have been looking to fix for years.
The Memphis Grizzlies can now be active on the trade market
The Grizzlies have been looking to add a true wing player for years. They offered multiple first-round picks for Mikal Bridges back in 2023 and have also looked to acquire OG Anunoby, Franz Wagner, Jimmy Butler, and even Kevin Durant over the years.
Memphis wasn’t willing to part with any members of their core while searching for that wing upgrade, but now that they have four more first-round picks and a pick swap in addition to the capital they already have, they can be aggressive on the market.
Durant is on the market again, and even though the Grizzlies aren’t on his list of preferred destinations, the Suns are looking for the best possible deal. Memphis just acquired Phoenix’s 2026 first round pick in the Bane deal and the 16th overall pick in the 2025 draft as well. They control their first round picks from 2026 to 2031 and have young players and veteran talent that they can ship to the Valley.
The Grizzlies can also look to the NBA Draft to find a wing upgrade
Rutgers forward Ace Bailey stands out as a good fit but may be too rich for the Grizzlies’ blood given the fact that he is a lock for the top five. With the 16th pick, they can look at Collin Murray-Boyles, a stout 6’7” wing with freakish strength and good offensive skill.
They may have to trade up a few spots to select Boyles, but Memphis has the assets for a move up. If they decide to stand pat, Georgia’s Asa Newell and Arizona’s Carter Bryant also stand out as perfect fits on the wings.
Saying goodbye to Bane was definitely a tough decision, but the Grizzlies can be better because of it. They now have the means to upgrade the wing spot that has plagued them for years and retool their roster around Morant and Jackson Jr. to build a long-term contender. It is not often that teams get a second crack at building one, so Memphis must take advantage of the hand they have been dealt.