Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Futures Up in the Air after Grizzlies Trade Desmond Bane

Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane were the primary core young trio the Memphis Grizzlies were expected to build upon.

Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Futures Up in the Air after Grizzlies Trade Desmond Bane

Desmond Bane's departure could be the start of Grizzlies blowing up core trio (Image via FirstSportz)

All the teams not in the NBA Finals are going through all the options they have to improve their rosters. The Orlando Magic hit the ground running with a trade for Memphis Grizzlies star Desmond Bane. This move breaks up the star trio that the Grizzlies leaned along with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Bane is all of 26 years old and has been a crucial part of the Grizzlies’ both offense and defense. His relentless competitive edge, despite being undersized as a scoring guard per today’s standards, was a hallmark of his game.

It seems the Orlando Magic were more interested in bringing that competitive fire to their young squad after they parted with two important players and 4 1st round picks, along with a pick swap. When Shams Charania reported it, everyone believed the Magic paid a lot, compared to what the New York Knicks paid for Mikal Bridges.

However, that trade shows that the Magic are looking at building a core of their own, whereas the Grizzlies seem to want to build a new future. With that in mind, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst asked if the future contains Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

What does this mean for the Grizzlies? This is now what is being asked in the league, because this is a rebuild trade. And so what this means is the next question is, what about Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr?

Brian Windhorst said on SportsCenter

Brian Windhorst believes this Desmond Bane trade is possibly the first move for a team looking to rebuild. He expects the Memphis Grizzlies to place Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. on the trade block. Morant and JJJ might not have convinced them they are pieces to build around.

Rebuilding Grizzlies could move away from Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Before former head coach Taylor Jenkins was fired, many, including Brian Windhorst, had pointed out how the team had moved away from its pick-and-roll offense. The PNR was incredibly efficient for them in the past, yet this season, the Memphis Grizzlies avoided it like the plague.

Grizzlies might be moving on from Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane
Grizzlies might be moving on from Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane (Image via Open Source/X)

Fans and analysts noticed Ja Morant standing in the corner more, trying to knock down threes. They also noticed JJJ playing a slightly three-heavy role as they used rookie Zach Edey at center. Then it baffled everyone that Jenkins was not designing those offensive schemes.

It was the brainchild of Tuomas Iisalo, the man who replaced Jenkins. Then it came to light that Jenkins did not hire the Finnish coach as one of his assistants. Rather, it was the decision of the Grizzlies’ top brass.

All of this almost indicates that the franchise is rebuilding around the vision Tuomas Iisalo has placed in front of them, and possibly, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are not part of that vision. At least Bane was not, and they gladly let him go for a bucket load of 1st-rounders.

All those picks, along with those they might receive for Morant and JJJ, will help them in their rebuild. They do have some core young pieces in place in Edey, Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., and possibly Santi Aldama.

Bill Simmons laughs at fan narratives that Magic gave up a lot for Desmond Bane

After Shams Charania announced the trade, fans commented in disbelief on how much the Orlando Magic gave up for Desmond Bane, especially when considering what the Lakers gave up for Luka Doncic. But veteran analyst Bill Simmons believes those fans do not know basketball.

That’s just people that don’t watch basketball. I would do this in a heartbeat. It’s 3 non-lottery picks, the No. 16 pick this year, and the Phoenix pick.

Bill Simmons said on his podcast

He believes from the Orlando Magic standpoint, the assets they gave away were not going to help them contend for an NBA title. Desmond Bane is 26, and his brilliance in the two-way game will give the young team an edge, especially against star guards. Therefore, the Magic gave away picks they would not use.

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