3 Grizzlies who won't be back for the 2026-27 season
After trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic 10 days before the 2025 NBA Draft, the Grizzlies signaled their intent to retool around Jaren Jackson Jr. and most importantly, franchise star Ja Morant. Unfortunately for many fans, it didn't take long for the Grizzlies to abandon those plans. Early on, the team faced an injury crisis and had inconsistencies with on-court performance and coaching.
Despite extending Jaren Jackson Jr. last offseason, the Grizzlies decided to trade him two days before this year's deadline. The move was a bit surprising given Ja Morant was the center of deadline rumors but was the one who ended up staying put. Now, after going 25-57 and securing top 6 draft odds, it is time to revisit the Ja Morant trade saga and focus on a couple other offseason departures.
Here are three players who have likely played their last game for the team after a failed retool season.
1. Ja Morant
Let's start with the biggest name for Grizzlies fans this offseason. Two things can be true. First, Ja Morant is one of the most talented and entertaining players to wear a Grizzlies jersey and is rightfully beloved in the city. Second, this was a pivotal year for Morant in terms of health and on-court production, and he did not come close to delivering the year Grizzlies fans hoped for.
Given the pivot towards a retool and a large chunk of missed games the two seasons before, Ja Morant needed to have a big year. Unfortunately for him, it was an injury-riddled season and the worst offensive efficiency of his career. Morant played in just 20 games all season and averaged 19.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists while shooting just 41% from the field and 23.5% from three (both career lows).
It was an extremely disappointing season given the talent Ja Morant has shown throughout his career. One of the lowlights of the season was on Halloween night when Morant criticized the coaching staff after a poor performance in the NBA Cup loss to the Lakers. Despite fair criticisms from the fanbase about coaching, it was disappointing to see Morant's lack of accountability in that moment. The Grizzlies eventually suspended him for a game due to conduct detrimental to the team.
Given the large chunk of missed games the last three seasons and Morant's decline in offensive efficiency, it makes perfect sense for the Grizzlies to explore trade talks despite his importance to the franchise. Morant has two years and $87 million left on his current contract, and given the team's desire to rebuild, a split is likely the best outcome for all parties.
It will be interesting to see the deal that materializes, but all signs point to a Grizzlies and Ja Morant split.
2. Brandon Clarke
With one more year left on his current four-year $50 million contract, Brandon Clarke has continued to struggle with injuries. Clarke got off to a great start to his NBA career after being selected 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, making All-Rookie First Team and becoming one of the better frontcourt bench pieces in the NBA.
Unfortunately, his career is heading in a downward spiral as far as on-court production and being able to stay on the court. It is also important to consider that Brandon Clarke will be 30 years old at the start of training camp and already entered the league as an older prospect. Given the fact he has had multiple lower-body injuries in recent seasons, it is likely his best days are behind him.
Despite Clarke's trade value decreasing a bit, his deal is expiring and can be used as a trade asset this summer. The Grizzlies already needed to rebuild their frontcourt behind promising center Zach Edey, and a Clarke trade feels like a pretty easy decision for the team.
Brandon Clarke appeared in 309 games for the Grizzlies, averaging 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 stocks (steals and blocks) in 20.8 minutes per game.
3. Walter Clayton Jr.
This one is a little bit challenging because patience should almost always be preached with rookies. However, it is important to realize that the Grizzlies have a big logjam at guard and will have to cut down on the position to strengthen other areas of the roster. Ja Morant will be the main focus of attention at the guard position, but Walter Clayton Jr. is another name worth mentioning.
Walter Clayton Jr. was one of the young player pieces acquired in the Jaren Jackson Jr. deal. Selected 18th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, it was a challenging rookie season for Clayton Jr., especially after arriving in Memphis. In 24 games, including 6 starts, Clayton Jr. averaged 9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 25 minutes per game.
Unfortunately, the bigger story was how inefficient Clayton Jr. was offensively. Clayton Jr. shot just 36.6% from the field and made only 30.7% of his threes. While his 86.4% free-throw percentage still suggests some shooting touch is there, the Grizzlies' patience is likely still low given the backcourt overhaul that is likely.
Another bleak development for Walter Clayton Jr. in Memphis was that he was outperformed by rookie Javon Small, who was selected 48th overall and is currently on a two-way contract. Small has made a very strong case to earn a standard contract and has likely done enough to earn one.
The Grizzlies could face decisions with Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr., but it appears that Walter Clayton Jr. is the odd man out in the guard logjam.