The Memphis Grizzlies had something of a bounce back year during the 2024-25 season. After posting a 27-55 record the season prior, they won 48 games during the most recent campaign, and finished as the 8th seed in the Western Conference. But it was apparent that change was on the horizon when Memphis fired head coach Taylor Jenkins with just over two weeks left in the regular season.
Are The Memphis Grizzlies Headed For A Summer Rebuild?
The changes continued on Sunday morning when it was announced that the team had traded away Desmond Bane, who had been one of their most productive players all year long. Now, there are questions surrounding the Grizzlies’ two other star players, as it appears they might be headed for a full on rebuild.
"The next question is: What about Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.?"@WindhorstESPN breaks down Desmond Bane being traded to the Magic ✍️ pic.twitter.com/IewXKxwjEj
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 15, 2025
Shortly after the Bane trade was announced, ESPN’s NBA analyst Brian Windhorst gave his thoughts on the situation. He said that the deal appears to be a “rebuild trade”, and pointed out the strength of the other teams in the Western Conference. There may be no better time to hit the reset button and collect assets, and plan to be competitive again a few years down the road.
Windhorst mentioned the possibility of the team moving on from both Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but admitted that there were no real rumors beyond the newly-formed speculation.
Futures Of Morant, Jackson Jr. Are Now In Question
Both Morant and Jackson Jr. are eligible for contract extensions this summer, and the Grizzlies will have to decide if they want to commit to both players long-term. They’ve already attempted to make runs at NBA championships with both as a part of their core, though, and it is becoming increasingly likely that they’ll look to ship off one or both in order to stack future assets.
In the deal, the Grizzlies received four first round picks from the Magic, as well as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The move has been questioned already, but Winhorst explained that Orlando needed to attach extra assets in order to move off of KCP’s high-priced contract.
