The Memphis Grizzlies just made a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA landscape, trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. and effectively closing the book on their most recent era of contention. It’s a bold pivot-one that signals not just the end of a chapter, but the start of a new one built around youth, patience, and long-term potential.
At the heart of this new vision are two names Grizzlies fans better get familiar with: Zach Edey and Cedric Coward.
According to reports, the organization views Edey and Coward as foundational pieces-cornerstones around whom they plan to build the next iteration of Grizzlies basketball. That’s not just lip service.
Internally, there’s a clear sense that this duo represents the future in Memphis. While Ja Morant’s name continues to swirl in trade speculation, the team’s direction is becoming more defined: this is about the long game now, not a quick fix.
Let’s be clear-this is a significant shift. The Grizzlies spent the last half-decade trying to climb the Western Conference ladder behind the Morant-Jackson pairing.
Since drafting Morant in 2019, Memphis posted a respectable 273-248 regular season record and made the playoffs multiple times. But despite flashes of promise, they never broke through, going just 9-18 in the postseason and never advancing past the conference semifinals.
Now, with Jackson gone and Morant’s future uncertain, the Grizzlies are leaning into a full reset. And while that might sting for fans who believed this core had more to give, there’s reason for cautious optimism.
Zach Edey brings size and presence in the paint that’s hard to come by in today’s NBA. He’s not your typical modern center, but there’s real intrigue in how his game can evolve at the next level. Cedric Coward, meanwhile, offers versatility and upside in the backcourt-a player who could grow into a dynamic two-way force if given the runway.
This isn’t about winning now-it’s about building something sustainable. Memphis is betting on development, flexibility, and internal growth rather than chasing short-term fixes. That’s a tough sell in a league driven by instant results, but it might be the smartest path forward given where this team stands.
The Morant-Jackson era gave Grizzlies fans some unforgettable moments, but it ultimately fell short of delivering the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance. Whether Edey and Coward can take them further remains to be seen.
But one thing’s for sure-the Grizzlies are no longer trying to patch up the old plan. They’ve torn it down and are starting fresh.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what it takes to build something great.