Jaylen Wells Reportedly Viewed as Future Starter by Grizzlies After Desmond Bane Trade

The Memphis Grizzlies' decision to trade Desmond Bane may have paved the way for Jaylen Wells to take on a larger role as part of the team's starting lineup moving forward.

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the Grizzlies believe Wells can blossom into a "long-term starter on the wing."

On Sunday, Memphis dealt Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks and a first-round pick swap.

Bane has served as one of the top scorers for the Grizzlies throughout his budding career, averaging 21.1 points per game over the past three seasons.

Now, Memphis could turn to Wells in order to make up for the offensive production lost in the trade.

The Grizzlies selected the 21-year-old with the No. 39 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Wells made an instant impact, securing a spot in the starting lineup in the sixth game of his career and never relinquishing it.

He ended his inaugural season with averages of 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game on 42.5/35.2/82.2 shooting splits.

Wells finished third in Rookie of the Year voting, an impressive feat for a second-round pick.

He wasn't available to help Memphis avoid a first-round sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs, as he was ruled out for the year after suffering a concussion and fractured wrist on April 8.

Still, Wells showed promise throughout his rookie season and could thrive if given a larger role. He only ranked 11th on the Grizzlies in touches per game during the regular season (via NBA.com).

With Bane gone, Wells is reportedly viewed as a top candidate to replace his output on both ends of the floor.