The Memphis Grizzlies are in full rebuild mode. After trading the face of the franchise and former Rookie of the Year, Ja Morant, this organization is clearly ready for a change. Morant is extremely talented and was a beloved member of the Memphis community, but sometimes a fresh start is needed for both the player and the organization alike. Despite trade talks heating up for months about number 12, what irritated a lot of Grizzlies fans were the actual details of the trade when it finally happened.
Memphis and Portland shook hands on June 29th, 2026, and the Grizzlies walked away with Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Many fans thought the trade seemed unfair, since the Grizzlies gave up their star player for no draft picks. And while that argument is valid, it’s also safe to assume Memphis simply is not done making trades. Since Morant was moved, Santi Aldama was also traded, and there are conversations about veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope no longer wearing a Memphis uniform next season. However, there is more than likely something else brewing.
What's next for Memphis?
Let us not forget, the Grizzlies have an arsenal of upcoming draft picks. In addition to their 2026 first-round picks, Cameron Boozer and Karim López, they also have several more in the next six years. Then there are the second-round picks, of which Memphis has an abundance, and those can become valuable assets too for future trades.
All that to say, the organization is slowly putting together the pieces of this new unit. It started out by trading Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. were the next dominoes to fall. Then, lastly, Ja Morant. While it’s sad for Memphis fans to watch this chapter end, it’s exciting to have players like Cameron Boozer, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Zach Edey, Isaiah Stewart, Ty Jerome, Jerami Grant, and Scotty Pippen Jr. on the team.Â
Even with all of that talent, there surely has to be more to come. Who will be the next great point guard that leads this team on Beale Street? With the sheer number of draft picks, both first-rounders and second-rounders, that Memphis has been stockpiling, it would be an absolute shock if the front office felt content and didn’t make another move. And free agency has only just begun. Grizz nation, this is the new era, and it starts right now!
Add us as a preferred source on Google