The Memphis Grizzlies are in the middle of a full-scale reset - and it’s happening faster than anyone expected.
What began as a season centered around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. has quickly turned into a pivot toward youth, future assets, and a new direction. The Grizzlies already made waves last offseason by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, a move that initially looked like a retooling around their two cornerstone stars. But now, with Jackson Jr. headed to Utah and Morant’s future hanging in the balance, it’s clear: this era of Grizzlies basketball is coming to an end.
Let’s unpack how we got here.
Injuries, Frustrations, and a Falling Record
Memphis came into the season with high hopes, but the on-court results didn’t match the expectations. Ja Morant was available for 11 of the team’s first 12 games, but even with their star guard on the floor, the Grizzlies stumbled to a 4-8 start.
Things didn’t improve from there. Morant appeared in just nine of the next 37 games before the trade deadline, sidelined by a string of injuries that have unfortunately become a recurring theme in recent years.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. was doing everything he could to keep the team afloat, playing in 45 of the first 48 games. But even his presence wasn’t enough to stop the slide in the standings. Memphis simply couldn’t find its footing, and the front office took notice.
Morant and the Locker Room Rift
Back in November, Ja Morant’s name started surfacing in trade rumors - not just because of the team’s struggles, but also due to tension behind the scenes. A heated exchange with head coach Tuomas Iisalo reportedly sparked internal conversations about Morant’s future with the franchise. Those discussions picked up steam during the Grizzlies’ international trip to Berlin and London, with the team openly fielding offers for the two-time All-Star.
To be clear, Morant has not requested a trade. According to sources, he’s remained committed to Memphis and has consistently expressed a desire to stay, get healthy, and help turn things around.
But the writing may be on the wall. The Grizzlies have reportedly decided not to offer him the three-year, $178 million extension he’s eligible for - a major signal that they’re ready to move on.
The Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade Shocks the Locker Room
The move that truly cemented the franchise’s new direction came Tuesday, when Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz. The timing caught many off guard, including Morant and others in the locker room.
Jackson had just signed a renegotiated four-year extension with Memphis in July - a deal that seemed to lock him in as part of the long-term core. Instead, he’s now on his way to Salt Lake City, and the Grizzlies are officially turning the page.
A New Era Begins - But Where Does Morant Fit?
With Jackson gone and Bane already out the door, Morant finds himself as the last man standing from the Grizzlies’ former big three. He’s made it known he wants to stay.
He understands the injury concerns and the perception around his availability. But he also wants the opportunity to help lift this franchise - and this city - back to relevance.
The problem? Memphis might not be interested in giving him that chance.
General Manager Zach Kleiman has been shopping Morant for over a month, and the asking price has been steep - reportedly even higher than what the Hawks are seeking for Trae Young. But so far, no team has come close to meeting that valuation. And unless something changes, they might not.
Adding to the uncertainty, sources say the Grizzlies aren’t working with Morant’s camp on any potential trades. This isn’t a collaborative effort like we’ve seen with other stars in the past. Morant and his team are essentially in the dark, waiting to see what happens next.
Miami, Minnesota, and Sacramento: The Potential Suitors
If Morant is moved, there are a few teams to keep an eye on.
The Miami Heat are reportedly very interested. Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra have done their homework on Morant, and they’re said to be open to offering him the full three-year, $178 million extension. In a dream scenario, the Heat would love to pair Morant with Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo - a superstar trio that would instantly vault them into title contention.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are also in the mix. They’re currently focused on trying to land Antetokounmpo, but if those talks with Milwaukee fall apart, they could pivot to Morant as a Plan B. The Sacramento Kings, meanwhile, are reportedly open to a deal if it helps them offload the contracts of DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk.
The Bigger Picture for Memphis
This is no longer about salvaging the current season - it’s about building the next great Grizzlies team. With young prospects like Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and Jaylen Wells on the roster, and a stockpile of first-round picks (including the haul from the Kentavious Caldwell-Pope deal), Memphis is clearly positioning itself for the future.
The question is whether Ja Morant will be part of that future - or just another chapter in a Grizzlies era that ended too soon.
One thing’s for sure: the next few days leading up to the trade deadline will be critical. And whatever comes next, it’s clear that Memphis is no longer looking back.