With the deadline less than three weeks away, the main topic of conversation regarding the Memphis Grizzlies is Ja Morant's future. As HoopsHype's Michael Scotto noted on Friday, though, if the team does trade the point guard, others would call to inquire about Jaren Jackson Jr.
Scotto wrote that teams like the Pistons and Celtics are interested in Jackson, among others. The Grizzlies saying that they want to build around the 26-year-old hasn't changed that (does he feel the same, though?), and trading Morant would only increase the interest.
Memphis is 17-23, 10th in the West, seven games back from the No. 6 spot. At best, the Grizzlies' shot at the playoffs will happen via the play-in tournament. They haven't been able to do much of anything since reaching the semifinals in 2022, tallying only two playoff wins since then.
In other words, it would make sense for the front office to go into rebuild mode. Trading Ja won't net them the return they'd like, but Jackson Jr. would. The big man is signed through the 2029-30 season, a player option, so teams wouldn't have to worry about him leaving, at least not anytime soon. That holds value in itself.
Will the Grizzlies make Jaren Jackson Jr. available?
Losing Desmond Bane over the summer was tough to accept, even though it netted Memphis several first-round picks. Losing Ja would hurt the worst, although at this point, fans know it's what needs to happen. Losing Jaren would truly signal that the era of Grizzlies basketball as fans know it is over.
The thought of what Memphis could've been with that trio will probably never leave fans' minds, but that's not a reason for the Grizzlies to wait and see if they can reconcile with Morant, which again, feels almost impossible.
It certainly wouldn't hurt for Memphis to gauge what teams are willing to pay for Jackson, capitalizing on his value. Detroit's draft arsenal should be enough to pique the Grizzlies' interest. The Pistons aren't in desperation mode to make a run in the East this season, but they are eager for playoff success, sitting atop the conference standings. What would they give up for JJJ?
That's the kind of question that the front office should've already been thinking about, and if they haven't, they'll be forced to if (more like when) a Ja trade happens.
Fans know they're probably witnessing the end of Ja in Memphis, but could it be the end of Jaren's time, too?