Recognizing they were not a title contender with him was the first step.
Two things can be true: the Grizzlies will miss Desmond Bane's shot creation and shooting ability this season, but his value on the team depleted as Jaren Jackson Jr.'s offensive game rose. The Grizzlies had success during their big three era, and if not for the NBA's new salary cap rules that were implemented after Bane's max contract extension, they would've likely tried to continue building around them.