The Memphis Grizzlies just opened the NBA offseason of wheeling and dealing with a massive move.
And there's really no way to look at their trade of Desmond Bane and think they're done.
ESPN's Sham Charania broke the news on Sunday morning: "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."
You could view this through a different lens if Memphis was a rebuilding team.
But the Grizzlies are a serious Western Conference contender led by Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Bane was one of the three-most important players in Memphis, and to move him is a hint at what's coming next.
There will be immediate speculation that the Grizzlies are trying to put together a package for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
MORE: Alex Caruso is 1st player in NBA Finals history with this stat
They could also be aiming to get Kevin Durant or Devin Booker.
But regardless of the target, this can't be it.
Orlando is sending to Memphis the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Phoenix's first-round pick in 2026, Magic 2028 unprotected first-rounder and Orlando's 2030 unprotected first, sources said. Pick swap is lightly protected in 2029. https://t.co/DeWziUWLkv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2025
It's actually a great return, if they intend to keep KCP or Anthony around. Both can be contributing rotation players on a good team.
To add four first-rounders in there and a pick swap is fantastic.
And now it's time to keep our eyes on Memphis.
Where there's smoke, there's fire. And this move was the Grizzlies throwing up a flare to the rest of the NBA. The full blaze is coming.
MORE: Lakers' biggest problem gets bad free agency news