Memphis Grizzlies are exploring their next steps amid Ja Morant trade rumors, with Jaren Jackson Jr. emerging as a potential centerpiece.
Trade rumors surrounding Ja Morant have placed the Memphis Grizzlies in the spotlight. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania earlier reported that the team is open to exploring a trade involving their star point guard, sparking discussions about what the team’s future could look like without him.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
MIN: 30.43
PTS: 18.64 (54.15%)
REB: 5.61
As: 1.92
ST: 0.92
BL: 1.44
TO: 2.17
GM: 36
Fans aren’t expecting a blockbuster haul after seeing the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young trade with Washington, which means Memphis may look to players already on the roster to build around.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Memphis could center its rebuild around Jaren Jackson Jr. “The sense I have, at this juncture, is that Memphis wants its rebuild to revolve around Jaren Jackson Jr.,” Fischer said on Marc Stein’s Substack.
Jackson Jr. showed promise in Morant’s absence last season. Fischer noted, “The sample size is undeniably small, but Memphis produced an encouraging 7-2 stretch in November during games Jackson played without Morant at his side.”
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
While Jackson is already in his eighth year since being drafted fourth overall in 2018, his skillset and status as a former Defensive Player of the Year make him an intriguing building block.
The Grizzlies currently sit at 16-22 on the 2025-26 season, below expectations. Memphis will face the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
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