The Memphis Grizzlies kicked off the NBA offseason with a significant trade on Sunday, sending guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. In return, Memphis received four first-round draft picks, a first-round pick swap, and guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony. This transaction marks a pivotal moment as the Grizzlies continue their roster transformation.
Desmond Bane was the Grizzlies’ third-leading scorer this past season, averaging 19.2 points per game with strong shooting percentages, including 48.4 percent overall and 39.2 percent from beyond the arc over 69 games. With Bane’s departure, Memphis faces the challenge of adjusting their offense under new leadership as well.
Leadership Changes and Team Adjustments in Memphis
Following the dismissal of former head coach Taylor Jenkins, Memphis named Tuomas Iisalo as their new head coach earlier this May, after Iisalo had served as the interim coach. This offseason trade aligns with the team’s transition period, as they reshape their lineup and strategy with fresh talent acquired from Orlando.
New York Knicks Show Interest in Jaren Jackson Jr.
While Memphis moves forward without Bane, the New York Knicks are reportedly interested in acquiring one of the Grizzlies’ top players, forward Jaren Jackson Jr. According to Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints, a member of the Knicks’ front office has long targeted Jackson Jr. as a valuable trade option. The trade discussions continue to gain traction within league circles.
The Knicks’ pursuit of Jackson Jr. remains strong despite their recent addition of Karl-Anthony Towns. League insiders suggest that a frontcourt pairing of Jackson Jr. and Towns would be an ideal combination for New York’s starting lineup.
Connections Between Jackson Jr. and the Knicks Organization
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s ties to the Knicks extend beyond interest in a trade. His father, Jaren Jackson Sr., served as an assistant coach for New York’s G-League affiliate between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, Knicks president Leon Rose was Jackson Jr.’s agent during his tenure at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), working alongside agent Austin Brown, who continues to represent Jackson Jr.
Jackson Jr. joined Rose and Brown as his agents prior to being selected in the 2018 NBA draft. Rose’s appointment as Knicks president in March 2020 further solidified connections between the player and the organization. Jackson Jr. is scheduled to earn $23.4 million in the upcoming season, the final year of his rookie contract extension.
Broader Context in the NBA Offseason
The Desmond Bane trade and the Knicks’ interest in Jaren Jackson Jr. signal potentially transformative moves for both franchises as they prepare for the new season. Memphis’ strategy to acquire future assets indicates a focus on long-term rebuilding, while New York aims to strengthen its roster around star players like Towns and Jackson Jr.
With coaching changes and roster adjustments underway, the upcoming months will be critical for both teams as they navigate these significant shifts and their implications for competitiveness in the league.