With the entire NBA world waiting around for Monday’s pivotal Game 5 of the Finals, a blockbuster trade came out of the blue. The first domino of the offseason fell today, as the Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane for two players, four first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. The trade appears to be a win-win for both sides, as Orlando fills a desperate need for more offense and outside shooting around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, while the Grizzlies kick-start a possible rebuild with a substantial amount of draft capital.
BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/UcQnmHbgZb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2025
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Desmond Bane Trade Could Create Opportunity for Knicks
This out-of-nowhere Sunday morning trade could have implications on the NBA for years to come. Orlando vaulted itself into surefire contention in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Memphis decided to break up its big three. Bane, Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. showed a ton of promise in the early 2020s, but ultimately broke up after an extremely disappointing 2025 season. The two teams involved in the trade aren’t the only franchises that could be affected by it, however.
Could Memphis Stars Become Available?
With the stunning trade in the books, the focus of the league should shift to the availability of two players: Morant and Jackson. Both have been in trade rumors for quite some time as Memphis collapsed. Although Memphis’ General Manager Zach Kleiman repeatedly maintained that their two stars weren’t up for auction, the situation may change after dealing Bane to Orlando.
The harsh reality for the Grizzlies is that they’re closer to the bottom of the West than they are to the top, and this trade did nothing to change that. In fact, Memphis has never been farther away from title contention with this group than they are right now. However, what this deal does do is give them ample ammunition to either rebuild or take a big swing in the trade market. The latter seems unlikely, unless Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant decides they’d like to take their next chapter to Memphis.
So, after acquiring four unprotected first-round selections that go through 2030, there may be a rebuild coming in Music City. Memphis can fool itself into continuing to build around Morant and Jackson, but trading Bane indicates a willingness to start over.
Knicks Should Target Jaren Jackson Jr.
If Memphis does undergo a rebuild, New York should be sprinting to the phones. The Durant rumors seem to be quieting down, and it appears improbable that Giannis will be a Knick. Luckily for NY, the best trade fit actually plays in Memphis.
Jackson Jr. missed the All-NBA teams in 2024-25 after Memphis’ historic meltdown down the stretch, which is pivotal to his trade value. He will not be eligible to sign a supermax extension, which only Memphis would’ve been able to give him, removing any financial incentive for Jackson to return to the Grizzlies amid a rebuild. Now, Jackson is only 25 years old, so Kleiman might hang onto him even if they tear the roster apart. Whether the Michigan State product wants to stick around could decide his fate.
Jackson is a free agent after next season, giving him leverage if he wishes to request a trade this summer. If the Grizzlies truly want to rebuild, they should deal both Morant and Jackson at their peak value this offseason. The first team on the phone should be the New York Knicks.
JJJ and the Knicks are a Match Made in Heaven
Jaren Jackson and the New York Knicks could not be a better fit. New York desperately needs an All-NBA caliber defensive big man who won’t hamstring their offense. Jackson’s fit next to Karl-Anthony Towns is impeccable: he can defend the other team’s best big or protect the rim, while Towns dominates the glass (Jackson’s weakness). “Triple J” also would allow the Knicks to play five-out like they’ve always wanted to. This would keep Mitchell Robinson in a bench role, where he can limit his usage correctly.
There are a few ways the deal could be structured. I believe the most likely would be centered around Mikal Bridges for Jackson, straight up. They both are extension-eligible and make similar money. New York would have to throw in an additional pick or two, but this formula works for both sides. If Jackson is available in any way, the Knicks must make their best effort at acquiring him.
Featured image: © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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