“Fresh start” is one way to describe the Grizzlies after a momentous offseason. “Hard pivot” is another.
In June, Memphis traded shooting guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, as well as four future first-round picks. The trade signaled the end of an era for the Grizzlies, as Bane, Jackson and point guard Ja Morant had formed a trio that was seen as the foundation for one of the up-and-coming contenders in the league.
Amid the retooling, Memphis emphasized its commitment to Jackson as part of its core, signing him to a five-year, $240 million extension in July. (Though it should be noted that Bane was traded after only one season into his own five-year deal.)
“I wasn’t too much surprised,” Jackson said of Bane’s departure. “I mean, when your brothers leave, you are still going to hurt, just because you’re a human being. But at the end of the day, it’s a business. And we’re grown.”
Jackson added that his mindset after the trade was to take on a bigger leadership role and make sure the younger players on the team weren’t surprised by the volatility of an NBA offseason.
“You’re going to get closer to your prime, and things are going to change for you,” he said. “I feel like this is a good starting point for a whole new journey of stuff. I’m approaching this year with that spearheaded, disciplined mindset of trying to get us to the promised land.”
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