The Memphis Grizzlies entered the 2025 offseason hoping to bridge the gap between playoff contender and championship threat. Instead, they’ve spent months wrestling with roster questions that could reshape their future. After getting swept 0-4 by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2024-25 playoffs, Memphis faces a harsh reality: its current core isn’t enough.
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Could the Memphis Grizzlies Trade Ja Morant This Offseason?
Ja Morant sits at the center of every conversation about Memphis’ direction. The dynamic point guard, locked into a five-year, $197,230,450 contract, represents the team’s biggest asset and most complicated decision. His electrifying play style has made him the face of the franchise, yet questions linger about whether he can lead Memphis to a championship.
The Grizzlies secured a playoff spot during the 2024-25 season, but their postseason performance exposed significant flaws. Despite Morant’s brilliance, Memphis has struggled to establish itself as a legitimate title contender. While Morant appears committed to staying in Memphis for now, the allure of a larger market with better championship opportunities could eventually influence his thinking.
Sports Illustrated recently explored a fascinating trade scenario that would reshape both conferences. According to SI’s Dave Holcomb, the Grizzlies could send Morant to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for small forward DeMar DeRozan, point guard Devin Carter, and a 2027 first-round pick.
This trade becomes more intriguing when considering Memphis has already dealt star guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. The Bane trade signaled a potential shift in philosophy, creating speculation about whether the Grizzlies are prepared to make even bigger moves.
Are the Grizzlies giving up on Ja Morant after trading Desmond Bane?
Bomani: “Your next move seems pretty obvious … You’re trading Ja Morant.” pic.twitter.com/I7gjI7rB4L
— The Right Time with Bomani Jones (@righttimebomani) June 16, 2025
Without Morant, DeRozan would slide into the starting lineup and form what could be a productive frontcourt partnership with Jaren Jackson Jr. Both players possess the scoring ability to average over 20 points per game, creating an intriguing combination that prioritizes veteran leadership over explosive athleticism.
However, trading Morant would force Memphis into a complete rebuild. Without their franchise cornerstone, the roster would need extensive changes to develop into a championship-caliber team. Meanwhile, Sacramento would gain a dynamic playmaker to pair with Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, potentially transforming the Kings into a playoff threat.
How Did Morant React to Desmond Bane’s Trade and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Extension?
Last month’s roster moves caught everyone off guard, including Morant himself. The Grizzlies traded Bane while simultaneously signing Jackson to a lucrative contract extension, creating a mixed message about their priorities.
Morant didn’t hold back when discussing Bane’s departure during an appearance on the Memphis Commercial Appeal. He shared his honest reaction to losing his backcourt partner.
“I was shocked, personally. I got the message from Des. To see it all over the internet, I honestly thought the (expletive) was fake. It’s best for both sides. Des is going to a very talented Orlando team. I feel like he’s the piece that they’ve been missing.”
The trade brought Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from the Magic to Memphis. Additionally, the Grizzlies signed Ty Jerome in free agency and selected Cedric Coward with the 11th overall pick in the draft.
These moves represent Memphis’ attempt to retool around its remaining core players. While fans question whether the team can maintain its backcourt effectiveness without Bane’s shooting and chemistry with Morant, the front office believes its new additions provide the necessary depth and versatility for another playoff push in 2025-26.