Since sending Desmond Bane to the Magic in a trade, the Grizzlies have focused on one major objective for the upcoming months.
The Grizzlies have a specific objective for Jaren Jackson Jr. as they enter the offseason. In a shocking move over the summer, the front staff traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic.
The transaction was a huge haul for Memphis, who got two solid role players in Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four first-round picks without protection, and a future first-round pick swap.
Despite early speculation that the Grizzlies were looking to start fresh, it is now abundantly evident that the Bane trade was really the team restocking on franchise staples Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies’ standout big man, in particular, is down to his final year of contract.
According to senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer, Memphis will be concentrating on extending the contract of the two-time All-Star this offseason.
Specifically in the days leading up to the NBA Draft, Fischer discusses the other, equally important decisions that the Grizzlies will make this summer, adding to the team’s aura of mystery. Due to their unexpected performance, the Grizzlies are among the first round’s biggest surprises.
Because of the league-shaking Desmond Bane bombshell on Father’s Day, Memphis will have to play catch-up when it comes to acquiring draft prospects. They traded for the No. 16 selection from the Magic.
It would indicate that once they enter the clock, many of the teams in that draft class, starting with number nine Toronto, are open to receiving trade suggestions.
The Grizzlies are reportedly open to any direction at this moment.
Depending on the situation, they have been one of the more active clubs in recent drafts when it comes to moving up, down, or out of the first round.
According to our sources, the Grizzlies are currently trying to protect their financial flexibility in order to renegotiate and extend the contract of star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and to ward off outside interest in restricted free agent Santi Aldama.
This is all in response to the Bane trade. Following a disappointing season, Memphis fired head coach Taylor Jenkins. With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
both entering their primes, the front staff is betting big that this team will be a Western Conference powerhouse for a long time.
Because the Grizzlies’ front management clearly thought that Morant, Jackson Jr., and Bane could only go so far, they’ve decided to round out their roster with this transaction.
In sum, Jackson Jr. is not qualified for the supermax deal because he did not make an All-NBA squad.
As a result, the Grizzlies will be able to affordably develop a strong supporting cast to complement star forward Kevin Durant for the time being.
How many of the franchise’s draft choices from the Bane trade end up being used is something to watch.
Leave a Reply