The Memphis Grizzlies are officially entering a new chapter-and it’s a bold one.
With Jaren Jackson Jr. on the move in a headline-making deal between Danny Ainge and Zach Kleiman, Memphis is signaling the end of an era built around the electric pairing of Ja Morant and Jackson. That duo gave the Grizzlies a real identity-high-flying offense, elite defense, and a gritty, never-back-down attitude that made them a playoff threat and a league favorite. But now, the page is turning.
The focus shifts to the future, and it’s clear the Grizzlies aren’t planning to bottom out. Thanks to a deep well of draft picks and a cap sheet with breathing room, this front office has the flexibility to retool on the fly.
That’s not to say it’ll be painless-especially for fans who’ve grown attached to Morant and the team’s recent playoff battles-but Memphis isn’t looking to offload Ja just to make a deadline splash. They’re playing the long game, and that patience could pay off.
For now, expectations are modest. The rest of this season will likely be more about development than wins, but there are some intriguing pieces already in place. The 2026-27 rotation is beginning to take shape, and it’s one that echoes the franchise’s “Grind City” roots.
Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, and GG Jackson headline a frontcourt brimming with size, skill, and upside. Taylor Hendricks, the ninth pick from 2023, is a reclamation project worth watching-if the Grizzlies can unlock his potential, he could be a key piece moving forward.
On the wings, Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward bring length and athleticism that could give opposing scorers fits. And in the backcourt, Cam Spencer and Ty Jerome offer enough shooting and playmaking to keep things interesting on the offensive end.
The big caveat: Edey is out for now, which delays a full look at what this group can become. But the blueprint is there, and even with Morant still technically on the roster, the post-Ja vision is starting to crystallize.
That vision likely includes a new franchise point guard, and Memphis will have its eyes on the upcoming draft. Darryn Peterson and Kingston Flemings are names that could energize the fanbase.
On the wings, AJ Dybantsa and Nate Ament bring serious two-way potential and would push players like Wells and Jackson to elevate their games. All four prospects carry All-NBA ceilings-and Memphis will need to hit on at least two of them if this rebuild is going to lead anywhere meaningful.
The front office knows it, too. This isn’t just about collecting talent-it’s about finding the next core.
And they’ve got a powerful tool to help them do that: a $28.8 million trade exception. That figure looms large as the deadline approaches.
Used wisely, it could bring in expiring contracts and more draft capital, accelerating the rebuild. Used poorly, it could bog down the process with long-term money and limited upside.
Expect Memphis to make at least one more move before the February 5 deadline, but don’t expect them to take on any contracts that stretch beyond the short term. The goal is flexibility, not financial dead weight.
Looking ahead to next season, the Grizzlies will need to fill out the roster with short-term veterans who can help the young core navigate the inevitable growing pains. Think role players like Rui Hachimura or Kenrich Williams-guys who can contribute without clogging the books. Memphis can’t afford to tie up cap space beyond 2028, so big-money swings for players like James Harden or Lu Dort are off the table.
If Kentavious Caldwell-Pope opts out this summer, Memphis will have around $138 million committed. That opens the door for a few calculated moves. Free agents like Anfernee Simons, Coby White, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, or John Collins-each still in their mid-to-late 20s-could be worth a longer look, depending on how the market shakes out.
Still, even with smart moves and promising youth, there’s no guarantee this leads to a second-round playoff berth anytime soon. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a fanbase that saw its team sitting in second place just a year ago.
But it’s a necessary pivot. The alternative-clinging to the past and chasing false hope-only drags out the pain.
This is the reset. It’s not glamorous, and it’s not easy. But if Memphis plays its cards right, the next great Grizzlies team might already be taking shape.