The NBA offseason will still exist for the next two months, but the Memphis Grizzlies have likely completed their work for the summer months. The numerous moves they made to build a better roster for their revamped duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. received praise from the worldwide leader in sports.
Following a first-round sweep at the hands of the NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the Grizzlies were left wondering what the next step they could take. Their big three of Morant, Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane were about to take up the majority of their cap space, leaving little wiggle room for improvement.
Getting swept in the first round of the playoffs with that possibility coming up always made sense for the team to choose two out of those three players. With Morant and Bane already locked up on deals, Jackson Jr. would've been the easiest to move on from, but the team had other plans, and it will likely prove to be the best decision.
ESPN gave the Grizzlies a solid B for their offseason grade
The Grizzlies decided to take the long-term approach while some of the older teams in the West continued to remain older. However, their long-term approach could still be expedited as their two All-Stars enter their seventh (Ja Morant) and eighth (Jaren Jackson Jr.) seasons as veterans at 26 years old when next season begins.
ESPN rewarded the Grizzlies' package received in the Bane trade, which included the Phoenix Suns' 2025 draft pick that is projected to be of great value. Also, as good as Bane was for the team the last five seasons, he was the highest-paid player on the team at the time and had yet to make an All-Star team.
Jaren Jackson Jr.'s defensive acumen, combined with his evolving offensive game, made it an easy choice for the team to choose him and Morant in the event of splitting up their big three. Receiving Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and using two of their four picks received in the deal to select rookie forward Cedric Coward helps the team this season.
They have to rely on Morant and Jackson Jr. playing to their All-Star levels and remaining relatively healthy, while expecting jumps from their young players to remain competitive in the tough Western Conference. Signing Ty Jerome and re-signing Santi Aldama to value contracts will help offset the loss of scoring from Desmond Bane.
Also, Jerome's shooting and ball handling, along with Caldwell-Pope's shooting and defense, will help offset Bane's presence in the backcourt. Strength in numbers will have to be the Grizzlies' calling card this season without a clear third option, but they have set themselves up to either obtain or develop that guy to complete their roster overhaul.