On Sunday, the Memphis Grizzlies completed the first blockbuster trade of the summer.
After falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs, the organization elected to trade Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and one first-round pick swap.
Considering Bane is more talented than Caldwell-Pope and Anthony combined, many believe the Grizzlies are set to enter rebuild mode in 2025-26, which would impact the franchise’s star point guard, Ja Morant.
Bleacher Report’s Timothy Rapp believes Morant could leave Memphis for the Brooklyn Nets following the massive Bane deal.
“The Nets have a roster full of solid role players, but they desperately need an actual star to build around (and falling to No. 8 in this year's draft probably won't help in their cause to unearth that player)," Rapp wrote Sunday.
“The Nets have four first-round picks in the 2025 draft alone, along with the New York Knicks' unprotected firsts in 2027, 2029 and 2031 and Philly's protected first (1-8) in 2027, along with other draft assets.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“They have the future capital to make a splash, in other words, and are the one team this offseason with plenty of cap space to spare.”
“They may end up using that space to help facilitate other deals in exchange for adding to their future draft-pick bounty, but if they make a splash now, they have the goods to do so. Adding Morant, in his prime years, would register as a franchise-altering acquisition.”
Despite solidifying himself as a superstar in Memphis, Morant’s tenure with the Grizzlies has been up-and-down. Morant has averaged 20+ points per game four times, reached the playoffs four times, and earned two All-Star nods in six seasons with the Grizzlies.
However, the Murray State product has also suffered numerous injuries, faced multiple suspensions for off-court incidents, and only guided Memphis to the Western Conference semifinals once.
More importantly, the Grizzlies’ most recent move suggests that they are likely not in win-now mode, despite Morant still being in his prime.
The Nets wouldn’t catapult to contention with Morant on the roster, but they would possess an asset capable of being the face of the organization for the foreseeable.
It’ll be interesting to see if Morant is the next Grizzlies contributor to leave the franchise.
More NBA: Former Lakers center attempting NBA comeback despite declining rapidly