The Memphis Grizzlies reportedly are set to keep both Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. on their roster long-term.
The Memphis Grizzlies made a major move last Sunday, trading away starting guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
MIN: 30.24
PTS: 21.84 (55.65%)
REB: 5.63
As: 2.03
ST: 1.21
BL: 1.45
TO: 2.09
GM: 80
The trade sparked widespread speculation about the franchise’s direction and long-term strategy. Many questioned whether this signaled the beginning of a rebuild, with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst even labeling it a "rebuild trade."
However, recent reports suggest the Grizzlies are not entering a full rebuild. Instead, they plan to retain their core players and are expected to offer one of their stars a long-term contract extension this summer.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Memphis has no intention of trading Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr. following the Bane deal.
"The Grizzlies are not looking to deal either of their two remaining franchise cornerstones," Bontemps reports.
He also noted that the primary goal of the Bane trade was to free up salary cap space to extend Jackson’s contract.
"The team has spent the past several months clearing salary cap space to complete a renegotiation and extension of Jackson's contract this offseason, preventing him from hitting free agency in 2026."
Credit AP-Scanpix
"The belief is that an extension will get done, sources said. But the Bane trade gives Memphis an avenue to give Jackson even more on that deal and lock him in long term," he adds.
The Grizzlies finished the season as the 8th seed in the Western Conference with a 48-34 record. They secured a playoff spot through the Play-In Tournament but were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has established himself as a cornerstone for the Grizzlies, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game this season. He anchors the defense while providing consistent floor spacing and scoring as a reliable stretch big on offense.
Ja Morant, despite facing injury issues and playing in only 50 games, contributed 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game.
Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.