MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - On 92.9 FM ESPN talk radio Tuesday, all the talk on The Gabe Kuhn Show was about the Grizzlies’ big trade sending big man Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz.
“I’m a big fan of where we’re going with the Grizzlies,” said caller Icy Smooth, “You’ve got to be positive about the draft capital. If you’re not positive about that, then man, there’s no helping you.“
“They have the same amount of 1st round draft picks... 13 in the next seven years... as OKC and the Nets,” replied host Gabe Kuhn, “there is a range of outcomes that comes from doing a full-fledged rebuild.”
Gabe Kuhn, host of The Gabe Kuhn Show on 92.9 FM
Gabe Kuhn, host of The Gabe Kuhn Show on 92.9 FM(Action News 5)
Kuhn said the Grizz getting rid of Jackson is the final nail in the coffin for “GrizzNextGen,” which just three years ago featured crowd favorites Dillon Brooks, Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Triple-J.
“I just think it’s a heck of a day,” Kuhn told Action News 5, “I think it’s an admission of defeat, officially. Obviously, Desmond Bane, the trade this off-season led us down this road to a certain extent, but it’s an admission of defeat for the ‘GrizzNextGen’ era, right?“
Caller Josh said the quiet part out loud for many longtime Grizz fans.
“I’m one of the fans that wanted to trade,” he said, “that had been wanting to trade Jaren for a while. I don’t know, I think the ‘Grit and Grind’ era kind of spoiled me.“
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) looks toward a referee during the first half...
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) looks toward a referee during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)(Abbie Parr | AP)
The “Grit and Grind” era with Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, Tony Allen and Zach Randolph was a hard act to follow. The young players who came behind them never achieved the same level of success, going to the playoffs just once in eight years.
Caller Tony said the front office should be the next to go.
“I think that Zach Kleiman, his days are numbered,” said Tony, “I think Coach Iisalo doesn’t have any business coaching anywhere near the NBA. You’re gonna get rid of players? Let’s get rid of the front office.”
“So Tony,” replied Kuhn, “you’re saying they’re rebuilding the wrong thing?“
Gabe Kuhn, host of The Gabe Kuhn Show on 92.9 FM
Gabe Kuhn, host of The Gabe Kuhn Show on 92.9 FM(Action News 5)
The last “GrizzNextGen” player standing is superstar Ja Morant, with trade rumors swirling around him for weeks now.
“I think Ja,” said Kuhn, “yeah, I think Ja is next.“
As for the team’s future in Memphis? The Grizzlies current lease agreement with the city keeps them playing at FedExForum until 2029.
Kuhn is optimistic that a new, long-term deal can be reached.
“I think there’s a lot of things that could be outside the city’s control by the end of it, but ultimately, I think the Grizzlies will stay in the City of Memphis,” he said.
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