The Memphis Grizzlies just made a move that signals a major shift in both their short and long-term NBA futures.
NBA Trade: Grizzlies Have 13 FRPs Over Next 7 Seasons
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Memphis is trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., along with John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr., to the Utah Jazz. In return, the Grizzlies are getting Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks.
Right now, the Grizzlies sit 19-29, three games out of the final play-in spot. This trade makes it clear that Memphis is likely pivoting into full tank mode for the rest of the season, aiming for what they hope will be a stacked draft class. Ja Morant remains on the roster, but with the franchise seemingly embracing a rebuild, a trade involving the star point guard feels more likely than ever.
The Draft Pick Stockpile
What’s really striking about this trade is the draft capital that it adds to for the Grizzlies. Over the next seven years, Memphis holds 13 first-round picks, a haul that puts them in elite company in terms of future flexibility. Here’s the breakdown:
- Own first-round picks from 2026 to 2032
- 2026: More favorable first of Orlando or Phoenix
- 2027: Top-4 protected first from the LA Lakers
- 2027: Most favorable first of Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah
- 2029: Top-two protected swap with Orlando
- 2030: Unprotected first from Orlando
- 2031: Unprotected first from Phoenix
- Six additional second-round picks
More than just a stockpile, it is a roadmap. Memphis could use these picks to continue building around Morant in the slight chance that he stays, or they could leverage them in blockbuster trades to accelerate a rebuild. Either way, the Grizzlies are positioning themselves as one of the NBA’s most asset-rich franchises over the next decade.
The Grizzlies are making the right choice going full tank. This draft could be special. So their own pick can increase in value by subtracting JJJ. And this is quite a strong return of picks. Worth seeing what Clayton and Hendricks can turn into after slow NBA starts too. https://t.co/rN5HsTSbZm
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) February 3, 2026
What This Means For Grizzlies Fans
- Short-term pain: Memphis is likely accepting another season out of the playoff picture.
- Long-term gain: 13 first-round picks give them unparalleled flexibility to shape the roster on their terms.
- Morant’s future: With the team clearly pivoting toward rebuilding, a trade involving Ja Morant now seems like a more realistic scenario than ever.
This is a franchise thinking several steps ahead. The Grizzlies are following a blueprint similar to what the Thunder and Spurs did years ago: suffer now while stockpiling picks and developing young talent. And that strategy has appeared to pay off thus far for OKC and San Antonio.
Memphis might be struggling in the standings today, but with this kind of draft arsenal, they’re quietly building for a future that could be truly dangerous for the rest of the NBA.
