Immediately after the Memphis Grizzlies traded guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, the NBA world wondered if an even bigger trade was on the horizon. Now, amid swirling NBA rumors about teams reaching out to Memphis, there’s a definitive answer on the team’s plans this summer.
According to ESPN‘s Tim Bontemps, the Grizzlies are not expected to consider trading All-Star point guard Ja Morant or All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr.
Following the blockbuster trade on Sunday morning, ESPN NBA reporter Brian Windhorst called it a “pivot” trade by Memphis and said some around the league viewed the return as a “rebuild” package. It raised questions about whether Morant and Jackson would receive contract extensions this summer or be shopped around the league.
Related: Winners, Losers from the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic trade
Ja Morant contract (Spotrac): $39.446 million salary (2025-’26), $41.166 million salary (2026-’27), $44.886 million salary (2027-’28)
Teams were reportedly expected to make inquiries with Memphis to see if Morant or Jackson Jr. would be shopped. The Grizzlies’ star point guard is eligible for a two-year, $125 million extension this summer and Jackson is eligible for a four-year extension.
It made sense for clubs to see if Memphis was considering a rebuild. With Bane off the team, a Grizzlies’ roster that finished eighth in the Western Conference this past season will likely be even worse next year. Morant carries some off-court and injury risks, while Jackson isn’t viewed as someone who can be the second-best player on a championship-caliber team.
Related: 2025 NBA Draft order, Grizzlies draft picks 2025
Jaren Jackson Jr contract (Spotrac): $23.413 million salary (2025-’26), NBA free agent in 2026
Instead, moving off Bane’s contract seems to be part of the plan to extend both Morant and Jackson Jr. The deal clears the way for Jackson to make even more money in a deal expected to be signed this summer, while the organization is equally keen to extend Morant because of his fit in coach Tuomas Iisalo’s system.
In addition to the financial flexibility, the Grizzlies are also reportedly excited about the 2026 first-round pick received in the deal. They have the rights to the lesser of two firsts – Phoenix Suns or Washington Wizards – but it’s worth noting the Wizards’ 2026 first is top-eight protected.
Making this deal also opens up more minutes for 6-foot-8 forward Jaylen Wells, the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, who showed the ability to become a quality starter. So, while there might still be some NBA rumors about teams having interest in Morant and Jackson Jr., it appears the Grizzlies are keeping them.
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NFL, MLB & college football writer for Sportsnaut. Graduated from San Diego State University with BA in Journalism, 2019. ... More about Matt Johnson