Memphis

Grizzlies

Memphis and Orlando have reportedly made a significant trade, with the former bidding farewell to a key member of its core. Anthony is one of the players the Grizzlies have received in exchange for Bane, adding another point guard to the mix. And a change of scenery may be what the doctor ordered for Anthony, as the 2024-25 campaign was the worst of his NBA career to date. In 67 appearances, the 2020 first-round pick averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.1 three-pointers in 18.4 minutes. Even when the Magic were without Jalen Suggs, Anthony was not productive enough to merit being a consistent fantasy streamer. At best, he’ll back up Ja Morant in Memphis, and the Grizzlies also have Scotty Pippen Jr. under contract for the 2025-26 season.

After one season with the Magic, Caldwell-Pope is on the move. He’s been traded to the Grizzlies, but the veteran guard will likely be a starter in his new home. Caldwell-Pope was signed by the Magic last summer for his 3-and-D abilities, but he struggled with his shot. In 77 appearances, he shot 34.2 percent from three on 4.3 attempts per game. The percentage was Caldwell-Pope’s worst since 2015-16, when he shot 30.9 percent from three as a member of the Pistons. Playing alongside Ja Morant could result in cleaner looks for KCP if he’s inserted into the starting lineup, as Orlando lacked a consistent playmaker at the point. From a fantasy standpoint, he’ll be a late-round pick at best in standard leagues.

Edey reinjured the left ankle that he sprained during the regular season, resulting in the center undergoing surgery to stabilize the area. The Grizzlies announced on Tuesday that the procedure was successful, and he will be re-evaluated in four months. With Edey not expected to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season, Memphis can either slide Brandon Clarke into the starting lineup or move Jaren Jackson Jr. to the five as part of a smaller quintet. Edey’s surgery may also impact Memphis’s approach to Santi Aldama, who will be a restricted free agent next month.

Charania’s report indicates that Edey re-sprained the same ankle that forced him to miss some time last season. It came during an offseason workout, and he is expected to miss time to start next season. Edey secured the starting center spot for Memphis late last season after playing an inconsistent role for most of his rookie year. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo could opt to use Brandon Clarke as the starting center if he’s healthy, or he could use a smaller starting lineup with Jaren Jackson Jr. to start next season. The Grizzlies’ PR team announced that a preliminary timeline will be provided after he has the surgery, but as of now, the expectation is that he won’t be available for opening night.

Iisalo filled in as the interim head coach after Taylor Jenkins was fired, and he’ll succeed the latter as the NBA’s first Finnish head coach. Iisalo enjoyed a 14-year professional career in Finland and won the EuroCup and EuroCup coach of the year in 2024.

After recording four blocked shots on four occasions during the regular season, Edey nearly doubled that number on Saturday. While he did provide solid value in the rebounding category as well, the rookie center only attempted four shots on the day before fouling out. Edey’s production during the regular season did not match his Yahoo! ADP (98), but he offered solid late-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. His value for the 2025-26 season will be heavily influenced by the Grizzlies’ head coaching hire. Edey’s minutes and opportunities increased after Tuomas Iisola was named interim head coach, but he isn’t a lock to have the tag removed.

Bane did not have the most efficient game, recording five turnovers and shooting 35 percent from the field. However, he went out firing, helping to give Memphis a chance of extending its season. Entering the season with a Yahoo! ADP of 44, Bane finished as a top-40 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. Providing consistent value has rarely been an issue for the Grizzlies’ guard, but his value in 2025-26 will be influenced by who the team hires as its new head coach.

Aldama was the replacement in the Grizzlies’ starting lineup for Ja Morant, who sat out with a hip contusion. The fourth-year forward played well, shooting efficiently and providing value as a rebounder. The 2024-25 season was a good one for Aldama, who had his moments after being considered little more than a late-round option in the fall. He finished just outside the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats, providing greater value in the latter. Aldama will be a restricted free agent this summer.

In his final game of the 2024-25 season, Jackson went out with a relative whimper as Oklahoma City swept the Grizzlies. He missed both of his three-point attempts and shot 25 percent from the field overall, failing to help pick up the slack with Ja Morant (hip) sidelined. Jackson is extension eligible this season, and the most Memphis will be allowed to pay him depends on whether or not JJJ makes an All-NBA team. Even with Saturday’s poor performance, Trip appears to be a valued member of the Grizzlies’ core going forward.

Due to Ja Morant (hip) being unavailable, more was needed from Pippen, even if he was already in the starting lineup. He undoubtedly answered the call, matching his career-high point total, and the rebound tally was the best of his NBA career. Having entered the 2024-25 season as a fantasy afterthought, Pippen finished as a 12th-round player in eight-cat formats. He’s on a guaranteed contract for next season and, regardless of who’s hired as the next head coach, will be worth grabbing with a late-round pick in 12-team leagues. In addition to Pippen’s production, Morant’s injury history makes this a worthwhile dice roll.