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PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 26: Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on nio Spurs at Moda Center on November 26, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies have had to deal with a swath of trade rumors in recent weeks. Ja Morant has been the subject of these rumors. He hasn’t been happy or healthy all season long, which could mean an end to their long partnership.
If the Grizzlies do end up trading Morant, that would signal that they are getting ready for a rebuild. Right now, Memphis sits 12th in the Western Conference standings. They clearly are not going to compete for a championship this season, so some roster changes might make sense.
A trade proposal from Bleacher Report has the Grizzlies move on from Jaren Jackson Jr. to bring in a former top-three pick to help accelerate a rebuild.
GettyPortland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson drives the ball. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Grizzlies Send Jaren Jackson Jr. Away in Return for PG in Trade Idea
Here is the full trade proposal:
Portland Trail Blazers Acquire: Jaren Jackson Jr., Scotty Pippen Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies Acquire: Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, 2028 first-round swap (via MIL), 2029 first-round swap (via MIL), 2030 first-round swap (via MIL)
Adding three first-round pick swaps is what would put this trade over the edge for the Grizzlies. Those picks would help them get the rebuild underway. Henderson is also an intriguing prospect, even if he has yet to play a game this season. Injuries are a concern with him.
Injuries are part of the reason why Memphis is considering trading away Morant. Bringing Henderson in would be bringing in a very similar player, albeit one that might be less talented. Grant could be flipped to a contender to further help Memphis add someone else.
Portland is better than many expected it to be, especially with their head coach in some hot water. They sit ninth in the West standings, so they have a legitimate shot to make the playoffs. This is a trade that would benefit both teams.
GettyMemphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. dribbles the ball. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
The Grizzlies Need to Make a Deadline Deal
Memphis needs to make a trade at the deadline. Right now, they have the seventh-worst offense in the league. That doesn’t seem like it’s going to get much better over the course of the year. Starting a rebuild would make the most sense for the Grizzlies.
Morant doesn’t have much of a trade market, so trading him would be getting rid of him at the lowest moment of his trade value. Still, Memphis might not have much of a choice. Trading him would help get rid of some of the distractions that he brings to the franchise.
Trading Jackson Jr. would further indicate that a rebuild is necessary for the franchise. Trading him for multiple first-round picks would make sense for a team that clearly needs a reset. They are not winning a championship with this core, and they might not even make the playoffs.
Injuries have killed the Grizzlies’ chances of having a successful year. That has been the same story for the last few years, so it’s time to make a change.