While many are wondering about the future of Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, it sounds like they could be in danger of losing another one of their top players.
During Monday’s episode of The Hoop Collective (40:00 mark), ESPN’s Tim MacMahon suggested that the future of Grizzlies star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. is in question as well.
“Their actions are telling you that they’re determined to rebuild the Grizzlies, I would say, around Jaren Jackson Jr.,” MacMahon said. “There’s a lot of discussion around the league wondering if that is mutual.”
The Grizzlies signed Jackson to a five‑year, $240 million contract extension this past summer despite knowing that he needed surgery on a toe injury. He’s appeared in 37 out of 39 games for Memphis (17-22), but his average of 18.5 points per game is his lowest since 2022-23. He finished with 14 points while shooting 3-of-11 from the field in Sunday’s 103-98 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Jackson is a two-time All-Star and a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, so the Grizzlies could choose to commit to him as their franchise cornerstone. Morant has struggled to stay on the court this season, appearing in just 18 games due to various injuries, and all signs point to his time in Memphis coming to an end this season.
For now, the Grizzlies will try to focus on keeping the momentum going when they face the Orlando Magic (22-18) in Berlin on Thursday.