The Memphis Grizzlies have positioned themselves absolutely perfectly to acquire Kevin Durant in a trade from the Phoenix Suns.
It's brilliant business, really.
Now they just have to pick up the phone, make a call to Arizona and seal the deal.
Here's the key: In trading away Desmond Bane on Sunday, the Grizzlies acquired four first-round picks. That's great on its own, but specifically, one of those picks is the Suns' 2026 first-rounder.
Phoenix mortgaged its future to put together its failed Big Three of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
MORE: Why the Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane away
Now, if the Suns want to rebuild, they have to find a way to recoup draft stock.
Dealing KD specifically for their 2026 first is a super logical move. It makes their team worse, which moves that pick higher up the draft board.
If Phoenix doesn't have their own picks, they have way less incentive to trade away their stars and tank.
So here, we have a deal in which the Grizzlies are already thinking a great step ahead.
Do not be at all surprised to soon see a post from Shams that says Durant is going to Memphis. Because with this Bane deal, that's the intent the Grizzlies just signaled to the rest of the NBA.
MORE: Why the Magic would make this Desmond Bane trade