The NBA offseason got off to an intriguing start with the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic concluding a significant trade. The Grizzlies are sending sharpshooter Desmond Bane to the Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a treasure trove of first-round picks. This move has sparked a whirlwind of opinions among fans, as many look to dissect its implications for the Grizzlies moving forward.
There are whispers in the basketball community, such as those from Yahoo Sports writer Kevin O’Connor, suggesting that the Grizzlies might consider a complete retooling. He posited that trading away stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. could be a strategy to secure a top selection in the highly coveted 2026 NBA Draft. To add fuel to the fire, he controversially viewed Morant as perhaps the “40th to 50th best player” in the league, which caught the attention of some former players.
One such player, Bulls legend Ron Harper, found O’Connor’s remarks laughable, sharing a lighthearted response on social media: “This GM got all the answers lol.” It’s a sentiment that perfectly captures the skepticism that often accompanies bold takes like these. Morant, who had a remarkable stretch averaging 26.8 points and 7.4 assists during his third and fourth seasons, has faced challenges over the last two years, battling injuries and availability issues that have impacted his standing in the league.
While Morant’s recent play may not have propelled him into the upper echelon of player rankings, it’s essential to consider the context. The rise of talents like Tyrese Haliburton and Cade Cunningham has certainly added pressure to Morant to regain his foothold among the league’s elite. However, the Grizzlies still appear committed to their cornerstone duo of Morant and Jackson Jr., as noted by the reliably sourced Shams Charania.
With Bane’s departure, Morant is poised for a more prominent role in the offense next season. His shot attempts have dipped since his Most Improved Player season, which could signal an opportunity for head coach Tuomas Iisalo to recalibrate the offensive strategy to help Morant reclaim his form. The upcoming season presents a pivotal moment for the Grizzlies as they look to navigate this new chapter and maximize their potential amidst the changing landscape of the NBA.
