The Orlando Magic aggressively trading for Desmond Bane may signal the end of a potential Anfernee Simons trade, as they now have limited assets and, most significantly, limited financial flexibility. While that's disappointing news for Portland, they could also use this latest development to their advantage by exploring a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies are now in a precarious position after making a wise move to trade Bane for a haul of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and one first-round pick swap. They still have two stars, Ja Morant and Jackson Jr., but this season also proved they are a middle-of-the-pack team in the competitive Western Conference. Trading Bane for future assets was a step in the right direction to escape purgatory, but now, Memphis should consider leaning more into a full-on roster reset.
Is Jaren Jackson Jr. suddenly available? The Blazers should at least check
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor suggests that the Grizzlies should explore trades for Morant and Jackson, positioning themselves for a top pick in a loaded 2026 draft class.
If I’m the Grizzlies I’d consider blowing it up completely now. Trade Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson to the highest bidders. Tank in 2026 for this loaded draft class.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 15, 2025
We agree with KOC -- the Grizzlies should see what offers are out there. Every team in the West may try to be competitive this upcoming season, with ESPN's Brian Windhorst reporting that even the Utah Jazz are "intending to try to turn it up" next season. Memphis would be wise to zag while the other teams zig.
If they do take their roster in that direction, the Blazers should try to capitalize. Portland is looking to end a four-year playoff drought next season after an encouraging 15-win improvement in 2024-25. However, they still lack the star power to make that ambitious goal a reality.
Jackson is a top 20 player in the league and fits into Portland's timeline at 25 years old. He's the perfect fit for the Blazers as a former Defensive Player of the Year who can bolster their identity. Jackson is the frontcourt piece Portland should be targeting, as his floor spacing allows him to play alongside Clingan in two big lineups, but he also has the rim protection and versatility to spell Clingan at the five for stretches.
The one downside in trading for JJJ is that he's on an expiring $23.4 million deal, meaning he could decide to walk in free agency. But at some point, the Blazers must take a risk to separate themselves from the rest of the West. They may be able to sell Jackson on the idea of him being the face of their team, especially since, at that point, the Blazers would be well-positioned for playoff success for years to come.
We'd likely steer clear of any other star player on an expiring contract. But Jackson's fit on Portland's roster is too good to pass up. The Blazers should immediately contact the Grizzlies to see if they can add their final missing piece.