The Memphis Grizzlies sent shockwaves through the NBA on Sunday.
Memphis traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap, signaling a potential shift toward rebuilding.
With the Grizzlies’ playoff hopes dashed by a first-round sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder, speculation has intensified lately about the future of their roster.
Could a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, a team flush with assets and cap space, be on the horizon?
Bleacher Report’s Timothy Rapp recently highlighted Brooklyn as a prime destination for a transformative Grizzlies deal.
“The Nets have a roster full of solid role players, but they desperately need an actual star to build around (and falling to No. 8 in this year’s draft probably won’t help in their cause to unearth that player),” Rapp wrote.
“The Nets have four first-round picks in the 2025 draft alone, along with the New York Knicks’ unprotected firsts in 2027, 2029 and 2031 and Philly’s protected first (1-8) in 2027, along with other draft assets. They have the future capital to make a splash, in other words, and are the one team this offseason with plenty of cap space to spare. They may end up using that space to help facilitate other deals in exchange for adding to their future draft-pick bounty, but if they make a splash now, they have the goods to do so. Adding Ja Morant, in his prime years, would register as a franchise-altering acquisition.”
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Could the Nets trade for Morant and build their new era around the 25-year-old star?
For Memphis, cutting ties with Morant would be a controversial move. It would also provide the Grizz with a crazy amount of draft picks. The Bane trade netted a haul of picks, including the No. 16 pick in 2025, and moving Morant could further stockpile assets for a youth-focused rebuild around Jaren Jackson Jr.
Morant’s off-court issues, including suspensions, and his injury-plagued recent seasons have raised questions about his long-term fit, especially after the Grizzlies’ late-season collapse and coaching change.
Brooklyn, meanwhile, has been star-hungry since losing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in 2023. With players like Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson as trade chips and cap space to absorb Morant’s salary, the Nets could offer a package including multiple 2025 picks, future Knicks’ firsts, and young talent like Day’Ron Sharpe, whom Memphis previously targeted.
For Memphis, the trade would provide flexibility to develop young players like Cole Anthony and draft prospects in a loaded 2026 class, while avoiding the risk of Morant’s contract amid his injury concerns.
However, losing Morant, the face of the franchise, would be a gamble. Brooklyn would bet on Morant’s health and maturity, while Memphis would sacrifice a proven star for an uncertain future.
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