The Memphis Grizzlies Are Heading Into Another Rebuilding Stage
According to Shams Charania, the Grizzlies will build around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson
The NBA offseason action has officially begun.
On Sunday, it was reported that the Memphis Grizzlies traded shooting guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. Memphis received Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and multiple future first-round draft picks in return.
While the Magic have gained a much-needed shooting threat, some pundits may question the Grizzlies' future direction. Regardless, it seems as if they may already have a plan lined out.
On Monday, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Grizzlies will reconstruct their roster around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson.
“I’m told that the Grizzlies are signaling privately that they will continue to build around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.”
Memphis made the right call
When the Grizzlies’ “Grit and Grind” era ended in 2017, they failed to rediscover an identity. After finishing the 2017-18 season with a 22-60 record, they realized they had to find a quick solution.
In the 2018 draft, the Grizzlies used their fourth pick to choose Jackson from Michigan State. One year later, they picked Morant from Murray State as the second pick.
The choices proved to be an essential component for what was being prepared. With Morant’s electrifying performances and Jackson’s strong two-way abilities, the Grizzlies became contenders once again.
In 2021, Memphis made the playoffs for the first time since 2017. But the 2021-22 season is when the franchise attained its highest point, finishing with a franchise-best 56-26 record.
That season, Morant averaged 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. As for Jackson, he logged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.3 blocks. Morant finished the year seventh in MVP voting while Jackson finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
While Morant’s numbers began to fade the following season, Jackson made his defensive presence known throughout the league.
During the 2022-23 season, Jackson averaged 3.0 blocks, leading the NBA in blocks for a second straight time. He recorded 189 blocks that year, breaking the record for most blocks in a single season by a Grizzlies player.
Building around the stars
Morant and Jackson emerged as star players for the Grizzlies. But Memphis continuously came up short when it was time to return the favor.
During the years when Morant and Jackson were entering their prime, the Grizzlies benefited from it.
Despite making four postseason appearances, they lost in the first round three times. After getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of this year’s playoffs, they will begin to rebuild in hopes of satisfying their star leaders.
With the draft picks that Memphis received, they could be in a decent starting spot for their reconstruction.
One of the picks they received was the 16th pick of the 2025 draft. Although forward Cooper Flagg will likely be chosen by the Dallas Mavericks, players such as Collin Murray-Boyles, Cedric Coward, and Nique Clifford could still be available for selection.
However, if that doesn’t work out, Memphis still has unprotected first-round picks they can exercise in 2026, 2028, and 2030. They also have a 2029 first-round pick swap (top two protected).
The Grizzlies’ current state of operation might be overwhelming for certain fans in Memphis. Nevertheless, Jason Wexler and the rest of the Grizzlies’ front office might be preparing for another great run.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to The Lead. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson