Desmond Bane Commits to Grizzlies with Massive $207 Million Deal in 2023 NBA Free Agency

Memphis Grizzlies sign Desmond Bane to five-year, $207M contract extension.

The Memphis Grizzlies have made a significant move to secure their starting shooting guard, Desmond Bane, for the next five years. Bane, who was the 30th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has received a substantial increase in salary with his maximum rookie scale extension.

Renowned NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news, revealing that Bane has agreed to a five-year, $207 million max contract extension. This long-term deal ensures that Bane will be a cornerstone player for the Grizzlies alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Over the past three years, the Grizzlies have made the playoffs with the trio of Bane, Morant, and Jackson Jr. Despite off-court issues, these players have been instrumental in the team's success. Jackson Jr. recently earned the title of Defensive Player of the Year, while Bane was a strong contender for Most Improved Player last season and could potentially become an All-Star in the future.

Bane's initial contract was worth $9.94 million over four years, with the last two years being team options. In the previous season, he showcased his skills by averaging 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Bane, a native of Richmond, Indiana, boasted an impressive shooting percentage of 47.9% from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc.

The Grizzlies recognize Bane's leadership qualities and the respect he commands from his teammates. Despite Morant's absence for the first 25 games of the upcoming season, Bane's presence and emerging status as a top-tier player will provide stability in the locker room.

Interestingly, if the Boston Celtics hadn't traded Bane in 2020, he would have been teammates with Marcus Smart. Now, three years later, they will form the starting backcourt for the Memphis Grizzlies while awaiting Morant's return.

Smart was acquired through a three-team trade that involved sending Tyus Jones to the Washington Wizards and Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics. The Grizzlies sought a proven leader with significant playoff experience, which Smart possesses.

Previously, Smart played a crucial role in facilitating plays for All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston. Now, he will have the opportunity to do the same for Bane, who will benefit from Smart's playmaking abilities.

Following the acquisition of Smart, Bane expressed his enthusiasm for their partnership, stating, "Real s**t... woke up to the news now I'm up LETS GET IT! @smart_MS3". Both players are determined to make their new partnership successful.

With Morant sidelined, Bane will shoulder a greater offensive load. He and Smart will need to establish chemistry and rhythm to keep the Grizzlies competitive during Morant's absence.

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