Kentavious Caldwell-Pope isn’t sugarcoating anything. After being sent to the Memphis Grizzlies in the blockbuster trade that saw Desmond Bane head to Denver, the veteran guard offered a raw, honest take on the move that shook up two Western Conference contenders.
Speaking during his first media appearance as a Grizzly, Caldwell-Pope admitted the trade caught him off guard. “It’s a business—I get that part,” he said. “But this one hit different. I’ve been part of trades before, but being swapped for a guy like Bane, someone who’s been the face of this franchise recently, it’s not just another transaction.”
The Grizzlies and Nuggets completed the deal last week in a bold move aimed at retooling both rosters. Memphis sent Desmond Bane and a future second-round pick to Denver in exchange for Caldwell-Pope, who brings championship experience and elite perimeter defense to a young Memphis squad looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season.
Caldwell-Pope, a two-time NBA champion, emphasized that while he has deep respect for what Bane accomplished in Memphis, he’s focused on writing his own chapter. “Desmond did his thing here—no doubt,” KCP said. “But now it’s my time to bring leadership, defense, and a winning mindset to this locker room. That’s what I do.”
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins praised the acquisition, noting Caldwell-Pope’s ability to space the floor and lock down elite scorers. “He fits the identity we’re trying to build. Grit, effort, accountability—KCP brings that every night,” Jenkins said.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions, with many still emotionally tied to Bane, who averaged 21.3