The Orlando Magic stunned the NBA world when they chose to acquire Desmond Bane in a trade from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Magic had to give up Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and one first-round pick swap to the Grizzlies to get the guard.
The Grizzlies seemed to walk away as the clear winners from this blockbuster trade that none of us saw coming. The Magic now have a guard to help Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero, but how does the future look for Memphis? NBA insider Tim Bontemps has revealed how their roster might look next season.
Will the Grizzlies Let Go of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.?
After Bane’s departure, there were doubts about Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s future in Tennessee. Bontemps has officially squashed those rumors, mentioning there is no chance the Grizzlies will let the two players leave the franchise.
The Grizzlies are not looking to trade Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr. after moving Desmond Bane, per @TimBontemps (https://t.co/NjVvsRwXW9).
Memphis is working on signing Jackson to a new long-term extension this summer. pic.twitter.com/1priz89MOo
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 16, 2025
“Sources told ESPN that the Grizzlies are not looking to deal either of their two remaining franchise cornerstones,” Bontemps wrote. “The team has spent the past several months clearing salary cap space to complete a renegotiation and extension of Jackson’s contract this offseason, preventing him from hitting free agency in 2026.”
“The belief is that an extension will get done, sources said. But the Bane trade gives Memphis an avenue to give Jackson even more on that deal and lock him in long term,” he also said about Jackson Jr.’s contract situation.
The former DPOY is currently on a $104,720,000 contract with the Grizzlies, which will expire at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season. Bontemps reports that the team is able to offer him a better deal to sign him on a long-term contract, which clearly indicates that he holds a key spot on the starting roster.
Morant is undoubtedly the face of the Grizzlies franchise. Yes, he has had issues off the court and injury setbacks, but it’s common knowledge that he can lead a franchise to postseason success.
The Grizzlies are still without a head coach after firing Taylor Jenkins, and it might just be the next priority on their list. There haven’t been many reports of who they might be looking to hire to lead the team next year.
They now boast the No.16 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, which can help them select a good prospect or use it as a trade asset.