Last night, the Grizzlies lost their final home game of the season to the Cleveland Cavaliers 142-126. Somehow, they tied an NBA record for the most made threes in a game, with 29, and lost by double digits. Ultimately, the biggest story of yesterday's game, which still carries just as much weight today, was Ja Morant.
It has already been mentioned countless times, but Ja Morant is one of the key names to watch this summer for potential trade candidates. Given his recent injury history and offensive inconsistency the last few seasons, it is understandable as to why the team is considering moving on. Yesterday, Ja Morant walked off the court for the last time this season, and it appeared to be a goodbye to Grizzlies fans.
Ja Morant walks off the floor at FedExForum, potentially for the last time as a member of the Grizzlies. pic.twitter.com/sg5Vbjhwbg
— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) April 7, 2026
It is a franchise-defining moment for the Grizzlies
There has been plenty of debate within the fanbase about whether or not the Grizzlies should move Ja Morant. Personally, I had opposed a Ja Morant trade for a long time and even wrote last summer that it would be a major mistake. Now, given how the season has played out, I feel that a split is the best option for both parties.
However, it does not diminish how strong last night's moment was and the fact that it could mark the end of an era in Memphis. It was a special moment when the Grizzlies got good fortune in the 2019 NBA Draft lottery and went on to select Ja Morant 2nd overall. Morant got off to a very strong start as he won Rookie of the Year in 2020 and even landed on the All-NBA Second Team in 2022.
Not long ago, Morant was simply one of the most electric players in the entire league due to his affinity for the clutch and his relentless ability to attack the rim. It felt like Morant was ready to lead the best era of Grizzlies basketball with a promising young core, including Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. Unfortunately, what was once one of the most promising cores in the NBA will likely now be fully split apart.
The Morant saga is a pivotal moment in the new rebuild
Unfortunately, for a multitude of reasons, the Next Gen era did not live up to expectations. Injuries have continued to be a recurring theme, and the Grizzlies also already decided to move on from Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the past year. Time will tell if those moves ended up being right, but the fact of the matter is that the Grizzlies are entering their most crucial summer yet.
There are plenty of big decisions to make, but the first one that appears to be happening is the Grizzlies resolving the Ja Morant trade saga. It is never easy to see such a fan favorite go, but it is understandable as to why the team is willing to move on. Even though the Grizzlies likely won't get a great return, the team should have plenty of flexibility to get more pieces around Cedric Coward and Zach Edey.
If last night was goodbye, Ja Morant leaves behind a complicated legacy. Morant is clearly one of the most talented and entertaining players to wear a Grizzlies jersey. It is important to note that Morant's talent has never been in doubt. However, the lack of availability and offensive inconsistency have severely limited the Grizzlies' ability to win more games.
Many other factors led to the collapse, but the Next Gen Era did not live up to the high expectations that resulted from a special 2021-22 breakthrough season. Now, it appears a new era will begin in Memphis this summer.