A lot has happened for the Memphis Grizzlies over the past 18 months. There has been a head coaching change, numerous trades (including two franchise stars), and the team had to find a way to navigate uncertain and turbulent waters during a season filled with so many injuries.
As much as Memphis and its fans should focus on the future right now, it’s reasonable to look back at all these changes through an analytical lens. Looking at both successes and mistakes from the past can help a team make better informed decisions in the future.
Here are some notable roster transactions that have taken place over the past season and offseason, and where they would collectively fall on a report card. Players with an asterisk are no longer on the same team.
End of season report card for roster transactions
Overall Grade: C
1. Jake LaRavia - Sacramento Kings, February 2025*
2. Marcus Smart - Washington Wizards, February 2025*
3. Desmond Bane - Orlando Magic, June 2025
4. Jay Huff - Indiana Pacers, July 2025
5. Luke Kennard - Atlanta Hawks, July 2025*
6. Jaren Jackson Jr. - Utah Jazz, February 2026
7. Jock Landale - Utah Jazz, February 2026*
8. John Konchar - Utah Jazz, February 2026
9. Vince Williams Jr. - Utah Jazz, February 2026
Some of the players on this list have since been traded again, but these were the teams that initially put pen to paper with the Grizzlies. In fact, several of those athletes are playing in the postseason right now. While it’s exciting to see former Grizzlies find success elsewhere, it’s hard to be on the outside looking in as a Memphis fan, knowing these contributions are not being made in a Grizzlies uniform.
Overall, the recent trades, collectively, get a C on the report card. It’s a passing grade, but Memphis has not seen an immediate, positive impact. That said, this team is entering a rebuilding era, which is focused on long-term growth and young talent, so the situation could very well change in the not too distant future.
For example, the players acquired from the Utah Jazz in February of 2026 have a lot of talent and potential, but they haven’t spent enough time with a healthy group to develop as much chemistry. That can improve over the offseason and into next year as players return.
The vision behind the moves
Sometimes, in the moment, it’s hard to understand why trades happen. Fans often question the motive behind these decisions. For the Grizzlies, trading two core members of the team (part of what many referred to as the “Big Three”) seemed to come out of left field.
However, the front office has a vision for the team and its future, and that plan to change the direction of the franchise was at the root of those trades. It’s not just Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., but also every roster move the team has made in recent years. This is all part of the rebuilding process, and its success will ultimately be measured by what comes next.
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