On Sunday, the Orlando Magic landed Desmond Bane, a rising shooting guard, from the Memphis Grizzlies for four future first-round draft picks, guard Cole Anthony and former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. While Bane, who averaged 19.2 points a game this season, has the ability to lift the offensively inept Magic a notch, plenty feel they gave up too much for a man who has never made the All-Star team.
This big trade has also made people wonder if Memphis, which has been struggling to take the next step itself and become a contender, could make another big move soon. Some are questioning whether big man Jaren Jackson Jr., a two-time All-Star who has one year left on his current contract, could be the next player to be moved.
Lakers fans are hoping that he gets moved to the Purple and Gold. But ESPN’s Brian Windhorst gave them a reality check by saying on “Get Up” that such a trade won’t happen.
“No chance,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst claimed Monday. “No chance. It’s absolutely not worth a discussion. And look, I think that Jaren Jackson — he’s now in position to sign a contract extension of over $200 million. I would feel like that’s very strongly going to happen.”
When one takes a step back, one has to question why Memphis would prefer to trade Jackson rather than give him an extension. He’s now its second-best player, and he put up 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals a game while making 37.5% of his 3-point attempts this season. At age 25, he could run alongside star guard Ja Morant for years to come.
But if he does become available, there’s no doubt he would be the type of ideal center target the Lakers want and need. He could give them inside scoring from the low post in addition to his shot-blocking, rebounding and 3-point shooting, and he’s athletic enough to give their transition game a much-needed shot in the arm while converting on lob passes from Luka Doncic.
