Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. remain untouchable as the Memphis Grizzlies reshape their roster for the future. The recent blockbuster trade that sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic signals a strategic shift, but not a teardown. In return, Memphis acquired valuable future draft picks and significant salary cap flexibility, giving the front office more tools to build a competitive roster around its young stars.
Despite outward appearances, this is not a rebuild. The franchise has made it clear: Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are the pillars of the Grizzlies’ future. Both are still young, entering their primes, and offer elite skill sets—Morant with his explosive playmaking and leadership, and Jackson Jr. with his defensive versatility and offensive upside. These are the types of talents you build around, not trade away.
Following a disappointing first-round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, general manager Zach Kleiman acknowledged that the team is “not close” to true title contention. That honest assessment has prompted a recalibration, not a collapse. The front office is focused on putting the right pieces around its cornerstone duo—players who can grow with them, support them, and help push Memphis deeper into the postseason.
The Grizzlies are betting that strategic roster retooling, combined with internal development and a healthy Morant, will bring them closer to contention. For now, Morant and Jackson Jr. represent the untouchable heart of the team’s vision—and Memphis isn’t backing down from that commitment.
Leave a Reply