ESPN just recently released offseason and draft strategies for teams in the bottom 10 of the NBA standings. The Grizzlies were just short of .500 before the new year but now find themselves at 21-35. Given their choice to rebuild, Ja Morant could get moved this summer.
The Grizzlies were willing to trade Ja Morant at this year's trade deadline, but they were unable to reach a deal with any team. However, with the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, it is clear the Grizzlies are heading in a different direction, and that could be without Ja Morant very soon.
The Grizzlies have significant flexibility for their rebuild
One of the reasons for trading Jaren Jackson Jr. was to create more future flexibility. Jackson Jr. had previously signed a five-year $240 million extension last offseason, but he was traded before the extension would kick in for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies have 13 first-round picks to work with in the next seven years.
While Ja Morant has still shown flashes of his best basketball, this season has been inconsistent, and he has struggled to stay on the court. After this season, Morant will have two more years left on his current deal and is set to make north of $40 million per year. Despite his talent, the inconsistency and inability to stay healthy has only added fuel to Morant possibly being traded.
A Morant trade would conclude the end of this era
If Morant gets traded this summer, the once promising core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. would all be on different teams. This is despite reaching the 2022 Western Conference semifinals just a few years ago. Even though the Grizzlies struggled with injuries in recent seasons, it is understandable why the Grizzlies felt the need to rebuild.
The 2026 NBA Draft should be a prime opportunity to increase the Grizzlies' talent level on the roster. Beyond their own first-rounder, they will get the most favorable first-round pick between the Magic and Suns. Both teams have crucial injuries, and it is not impossible that one of them ends up missing the playoffs. With either pick, it is very likely that the Grizzlies will be able to find their point guard of the future in a loaded class.
While the Grizzlies could still benefit from Morant reviving his career in Memphis, a split would create more flexibility in the Grizzlies' rebuild efforts. Morant still remains a beloved player in Grizzlies' history regardless of how his tenure in Memphis ends. However, the Grizzlies' best interest would likely be to commit to their current youth movement.