Former Grizzlies Reunite Courtside as Bane Leads Magic to Victory

On April 27, 2026, at Orlando’s Kia Center, former Memphis teammates Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. sat courtside as Desmond Bane guided the Orlando Magic to a Game 4 win over the Detroit Pistons, giving the Magic a 3-1 series lead. Bane finished with 22 points and five rebounds, hitting five of ten three-point attempts.

Desmond Bane stars in front of his former teammates in Game 4 winJa Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. support ex-teammate Desmond Bane at Game 4 vs. PistonsBleacher ReportMemphis Commerical AppealGrizzlies hit with brutal reminder of what could have been at worst possible timeSports IllustratedGrizzlies' outlandish Ja Morant trade demand rightfully discouraged BucksHow Grizzlies can max Ja Morant’s value with Bucks, Heat

Morant, Bane and Jackson built Memphis’s core from 2018-2022, reaching the Western Conference semifinals in 2022 and earning two All-Star nods for Morant and Jackson. Bane was traded to Orlando in June 2025; Jackson was dealt to the Utah Jazz before the Feb. 5, 2026 deadline. Morant remains the sole original member on the Grizzlies, but his future has been a frequent trade topic since January 2026.

Memphis Commerical Appeal

• Bane: 22 points, 5 rebounds, 7-of-18 shooting, 5-of-10 from three.

Desmond Bane stars in front of his former teammates in Game 4 win

• Magic’s win margin: sources differ—Bleacher Report lists 94-88, Yardbarker lists 92-86.

Desmond Bane stars in front of his former teammates in Game 4 win

• Memphis finished 2025-26 with a 25-57 record, holding the No. 16 pick and a lottery pick no lower than sixth overall.

How the 2026 Draft and Ja Morant Decision Will Shape the Grizzlies’ Future

Desmond Bane thanked Morant and Jackson for attending, calling their support “special” and expressing gratitude for the friendship forged during five seasons together. The Magic’s victory moved them within one win of their first series win since 2010.

Bleacher Report

The reunion underscores the rapid breakup of a once-promising trio. Moving Jackson and the earlier trade of Bane signal a shift toward rebuilding, amplified by the poor record and abundant draft capital. Trade rumors link Morant to the Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings and multi-team scenarios, but no concrete offers have emerged.

Sports Illustrated

Fans voiced frustration on social media, with one tweet describing the sight of Morant and Jackson courtside as “a trigger warning.” Commentary attributes the Grizzlies’ decline to “questionable coaching” and a core deemed “too flawed to win the Western Conference.” Trade-deadline speculation continues to dominate fan discourse.

Grizzlies hit with brutal reminder of what could have been at worst possible time

• The exact final score of Game 4 remains disputed between reports (94-88 vs. 92-86).

Desmond Bane stars in front of his former teammates in Game 4 win

• No official confirmation exists regarding any trade offers for Morant, despite repeated rumors.

Grizzlies' outlandish Ja Morant trade demand rightfully discouraged Bucks

• Potential interest from the Bucks and Kings lacks concrete verification.

Sports Illustrated

• “Ja just wants to play basketball and be in a place where he feels valued. And, hopefully, if it doesn’t happen in Memphis, he gets that, you wherever his next stop is.” — Desmond Bane, Orlando guard

Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. support ex-teammate Desmond Bane at Game 4 vs. Pistons

• “in Orlando supporting Desmond Bane.” — Damichael Cole, Memphis beat writer (tweet)

Memphis Commerical Appeal

• “imagine me relaxing watching postseason basketball and all of a sudden the camera pans to this.” — Molly Morrison, fan (tweet)

Grizzlies hit with brutal reminder of what could have been at worst possible time

• “in attendance for Magic-Pistons Game 4 to support former Grizzlies teammate Desmond Bane.” — Tomer Azarly, fan (tweet)

Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. support ex-teammate Desmond Bane at Game 4 vs. Pistons

The Grizzlies will enter the May 10, 2026 draft lottery with high-value picks, while Morant’s trade status remains open. Orlando seeks to close the series, and the NBA offseason will likely feature renewed speculation on Morant’s destination and Memphis’s rebuilding roadmap.

Sports Illustrated