The Memphis Grizzlies shocked the NBA with their trade of Jaren Jackson Jr., signalling the end of their franchise’s contending aspirations for the next few years. However, they’ve also revealed what’s to come for their franchise as well.
According to Dallas Hoops Journal’s Grant Asfeth, the Grizzlies have new franchise cornerstones, in center Zach Edey, and guard Cedric Coward.
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“While Ja Morant remains a trade candidate to monitor, the broader direction is unmistakable. Memphis has chosen patience, flexibility, and long-term upside rather than incremental retooling. A major part of that future is Zach Edey and Cedric Coward. Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that both players are viewed internally as cornerstone players,” Asfeth revealed.
What’s also important is the first sentence of what Asfeth noted. With new cornerstones, Ja Morant’s time in Memphis is practically done, even though he wants to stay.
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This means the Grizzlies are truly done trying to contend. Since 2019, when the Grizzlies drafted Morant to be paired with Jackson, Memphis went 273-248 in the regular season and 9-18 in the playoffs, never making it past the conference semi finals.
Hopefully, this next guard-big man era for the Grizzlies pans out better than the former, and the Grizzlies make some progress towards their first NBA championship.
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