Kentavious Caldwell-Pope can’t wait to suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies after the team traded for him, Cole Anthony, and a bunch of draft picks in exchange for Desmond Bane last week.
Speaking in the latest episode of Dawg Talk with J Mac and Kenny Gaines, the two-time NBA champion revealed what went through his mind upon learning the bombshell trade.
“I knew before everybody, it wasn’t really breaking news for me, but it happened Father’s Day,” Caldwell-Pope said. “I’m on vacation with my family… it’s literally about 11:30–11:35, almost noon, and I’m going to get something out of my bag, and my phone is vibrating, but I don’t get to it in time,” Caldwell-Pope narrated.
“So I’m checking, and it’s my agent – he never calls me multiple times, so it’s literally like three to four times, like damn, let me get to my phone and call him back. As soon as I call, you just got traded to the Grizzlies… quick shock because it kinda hit me right there like, damn, it’s Father’s Day. I didn’t want to get this type of news; we could’ve at least waited until Monday,” he added.
Memphis Grizzlies reportedly looking for Desmond Bane’s replacement in the 2025 NBA Draft
The Memphis Grizzlies will likely use the 16th overall pick from this summer’s draft, which they acquired in the Desmond Bane trade, to select a young wing player.
General manager Zach Kleiman has shown a knack for finding diamonds in the rough in the past few years, discovering the likes of Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama, John Konchar, Brandon Clarke, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, Trey Jemison, Jake LaRavia, and Vince Williams Jr.
According to HoopsHype, the Memphis Grizzlies have invited nine draft prospects to workouts, including LJ Cryer and Kobe Sanders, who could help fill in the void left by Bane.
