Look, the season isn't over yet, as the Grizzlies' 51-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in game 1 only counted as one loss. However, such a beatdown by a team that has faltered for the second half of the season automatically makes the fanbase and others think the worst about the rest of their first-round playoff series.
Furthermore, a 10-game losing streak to their playoff opponent only brings the doubts out even louder. Quite frankly, the Grizzlies have lost hope amongst all outsiders who aren't in the locker room, and they only have themselves to blame. While it is still early, let's examine what the team has to do to compete with the NBA's best next season.
Option 1: Run it back with the big three with upgraded surrounding pieces
Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane have a chance to right the ship to at least make the Grizzlies competitive in their series against the Thunder. Oklahoma City had the NBA's best record and is the odds-on favorite to win the NBA title this season.
Losing to them is expected and makes sense for a core whose oldest player is only 26 years old. However, the Grizzlies were ahead of the Thunder just two seasons ago, and collectively are older than the Thunder's roster.
Due to this reality, the pressure mounts up for the Grizzlies to take that next step to contention next season, and their best opportunity is with their big three taking a leap as a group. What separates the Thunder from the Grizzlies is the collection of two-way players surrounding their core they have as opposed to their counterparts.
More balance throughout the roster to better complement their top three players should be the goal for the Grizzlies next season, as the current roster lacks that. However, all options shouldn't be off the table if another star becomes available during the offseason.
Option 2: Trade one of the big three in a package for a star player
Jimmy Butler's reluctance to come to Memphis before the trade deadline hinged on the team not having the resources to extend his contract because they wanted to keep their big three together. However, if a star like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available, the Grizzlies will have a decision to make.
Although they are still young, their big three will likely lose their fourth playoff series in five tries at the end of the series against the Thunder. With limited resources of tradeable contracts remaining outside of their three best players, one of them will certainly have to go in a package to bring in a higher-level star to push them over the top.
All of this could be moot if the Grizzlies rebound from their game 1 blunder to tie the series with home court advantage. However, with the odds stacked against them, looking forward to the future seems inevitable to the most sensible person.