The Memphis Grizzlies just made one of the boldest moves of the NBA season - trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, just hours after he dropped 30 points in a home win over the Timberwolves. It’s a stunning shift, not just because of the timing, but because Jackson had signed a major contract extension this past summer. But with Memphis sitting ten games under .500 and struggling to find an identity, the message is clear: the rebuild is officially on.
That once-promising core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane? It’s now down to just Morant - and if we’re being honest, it feels like only a matter of time before that changes too.
Ja Morant’s Availability Problem
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Ja Morant’s availability. Over the last three seasons, he’s suited up for just 79 games.
That’s not a typo. Between suspensions, injuries, and now a season-ending shoulder surgery, Morant just hasn’t been on the floor enough to anchor a franchise.
After serving a 25-game suspension to start the 2023-24 season, Morant came back strong - briefly. But after just nine games, he was sidelined again, this time with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The following season, he managed to play 50 games, and this year, he’s appeared in just 20 of the team’s first 48 contests.
For a player of Morant’s caliber, that’s a tough pill to swallow. He’s electric when he’s on the court - no question - but you can’t build consistency around a star who’s not consistently available.
In the NBA, durability matters. And for the Grizzlies, that’s become a recurring issue.
A Star in Search of Rhythm
When Morant is healthy, he’s still one of the most dynamic point guards in the league. That hasn’t changed.
He’s currently averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists - that assist number ties his career best. But the efficiency just hasn’t been there.
This season, Morant is shooting career lows from the field and beyond the arc. Oddly enough, he’s hitting a career-high percentage from the free-throw line, which shows the touch is still there - but the overall offensive rhythm isn’t. Whether it’s adjusting to a new system under head coach Tuomas Iisalo or just struggling to find his footing after multiple setbacks, Morant hasn’t looked like the same player who once had Memphis buzzing with playoff dreams.
And then there’s the leadership question. On Halloween night, during an NBA Cup matchup against the Lakers, Morant had a visible falling out with Iisalo and the coaching staff.
The Grizzlies blew a double-digit lead, and Morant’s energy noticeably dipped in the second half. Frustration is understandable - especially in a season like this - but for a franchise player, moments like that raise red flags.
The Grizzlies need a leader. And right now, Morant hasn’t consistently filled that role.
Time for a Fresh Start
Here’s the reality: a trade might be the best move for both sides. Morant still has the talent to be a star - maybe even a superstar - in the right situation.
And the Grizzlies, clearly, are pivoting toward a new era. Trading Jackson Jr. wasn’t just a roster move; it was a philosophical shift.
Memphis is betting on a reset, and that means embracing flexibility, future assets, and a fresh identity.
Morant has been one of the most exciting players to ever wear a Grizzlies jersey. His highlight reels alone have put Memphis on the map in ways few players ever have.
But the franchise is at a crossroads. And if they’re serious about rebuilding, they need to go all in - even if that means parting ways with their most talented player.
Whether Morant finds his groove elsewhere or not, the Grizzlies’ priority now has to be building something sustainable. They’ve made their intentions clear.
The next move? It might just be the biggest one yet.