Jaren Jackson Jr. knew something was coming. The Memphis Grizzlies’ star forward watched his team scrape into the playoffs after a solid 48-34 regular season, only to get bounced in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. But what happened next, losing one of his closest teammates in a blockbuster trade, is what really tested his resolve.
How Did the Memphis Grizzlies Reshape Their Roster?
After the playoff disappointment, the Memphis front office wasted no time reshaping the team. First came a major leadership change. Tuomas Iisalo was hired in May as the new full-time head coach, replacing Taylor Jenkins, who was fired just days before the postseason began.
The Grizzlies DID NOT interview other candidates before making Tuomas Iisalo permanent head coach.
Zach Kleiman was “incredibly impressed” with how he handled everything towards the end of the season after taking the interim job.
Via @Matt_Infield pic.twitter.com/yPsW1usg17
— Playoff MEM (@PlayoffMem) June 26, 2025
Then on June 15 came the bombshell move. Memphis traded fan-favorite Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks, and one additional first-round selection. The deal sent shockwaves through the franchise and left fans wondering about the team’s direction.
Why Wasn’t Jaren Jackson Jr. Surprised by the Desmond Bane Trade?
The sudden departure of Bane stunned Grizzlies fans and NBA circles alike. However, in a recent interview with NBC News, Jackson revealed that he wasn’t blindsided by the move. In fact, he had a feeling it was coming.
“I wasn’t too much surprised. I mean, when your brothers leave, you are still going to hurt, just because you’re a human being. But at the end of the day, it’s a business. And we’re grown,” Jackson explained.
The 25-year-old forward approached the situation with a mature perspective, viewing it as part of the NBA’s business reality. “You’re going to get closer to your prime, and things are going to change for you. I feel like this is a good starting point for a whole new journey of stuff. I’m approaching this year with that spearheaded, disciplined mindset of trying to get us to the promised land,” said Jackson.
Last season with Memphis, Bane averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc, while also tallying 1.2 steals per contest. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates will immediately ease the scoring load for Magic stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Desmond Bane 38 PTS on 15/23 FG pic.twitter.com/rXxQhp21hi
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) August 12, 2025
Meanwhile, Jackson remains a central figure in Memphis’s retooled lineup. Last month, he secured his financial future by signing a massive five-year, $240 million contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies, showing the organization’s commitment to building around him.
Jackson also had a strong 2024-25 campaign, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. As Memphis moves forward without one of their key contributors, all eyes will now be on how Jackson and the remaining core adapt to this new reality. With a fresh coaching staff and significant roster changes, the Grizzlies are betting that this new journey leads them closer to championship contention.
