The Grizzlies made a tough decision to trade Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic this summer. The Magic gave up significant draft capital, and shortly after, the Grizzlies moved up in the 2025 NBA Draft to select Cedric Coward, assisted by one of the first-round picks acquired from Orlando. Coward has star potential; however, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a key piece of the trade, is struggling so far.
Originally selected 8th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Caldwell-Pope has had a solid career. Known for his defense and three-point shooting, Caldwell-Pope has been productive and won championships with the Lakers in 2020 and the Nuggets in 2023.