The Memphis Grizzlies entered the final stretch of the 2024-25 NBA season with a solid 44-29 record, sitting fifth in the Western Conference by March 28, 2025. Despite this, the team’s performance waned as they went 8-11 after the All-Star break and lost four of their last five games. This decline prompted a surprising decision to part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games remaining.
Interim coach Tomas Iiusalo stepped in as the Grizzlies’ front office sought to move away from their traditional pick-and-roll offense toward a more fluid motion-based system. However, these adjustments failed to stave off a dip in the standings, and Memphis slipped to eighth place in the Western Conference. Their playoff hopes were dashed as they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a four-game first-round sweep in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Offseason Moves Signal New Direction and Ambition
The Western Conference’s landscape shifted considerably after the season, with teams like the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers all reinforcing their rosters. Memphis joined this trend of change by making a blockbuster trade that sent longtime Ja Morant teammate Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. In return, the Grizzlies acquired sharpshooter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, guard Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round draft picks, and a first-round pick swap.
“Disappointing season. A lot to sort through here. 48 wins. Good for an 8 seed, but who cares. It’s not good enough.” —Zach Kleiman, Grizzlies GM
Alongside this trade, Memphis focused on adding depth and flexibility to their roster. They re-signed forward Santi Aldama to a three-year, $52.5 million deal and brought in guard Ty Jerome on a three-year, $27.66 million contract. Additionally, guard Cam Spencer was secured on a four-year, $10.4 million extension, signaling the team’s intent to build around a strong supporting cast.
Here’s a look at the potential Grizzlies depth chart for the 2025-26 season: PG: Morant | Pippen Jr. | Spencer, SG: Caldwell-Pope | Jerome | Coward, SF: Wells | Williams Jr. | Jackson, PF: Jackson Jr. (hurt) | Aldama | Hall, C: Edey (hurt) | Clarke | Landale. How we feeling? —Grizzlies SZN
Morant and Jackson Jr.: The Franchise Pillars Moving Forward
With Desmond Bane’s departure, Memphis doubled down on their core stars: Ja Morant and All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. The franchise secured Jackson Jr. with a five-year, $240 million maximum contract extension through the 2029-2030 season, ensuring the All-Star’s presence just as Morant’s role is expected to deepen.
The responsibility now falls heavily on Morant as the team’s leader. Known for his electrifying style and athleticism, Morant’s potential has sometimes been overshadowed by off-court issues and injuries. These difficulties have limited his availability, highlighted by just 9 games played during the injury and suspension-riddled 2023-24 season, and only 50 games the following year.
“Nobody had a problem with Ja on the court. It’s Ja off the court. We want him on the court… If he wants to have a chip on his shoulder and make it about the media, go ahead.” —Dan Patrick, media personality
Morant’s Challenge: Consistent Leadership and Availability
To transform the Grizzlies into Western Conference contenders, Morant must exhibit a matured leadership approach on and off the court. His sporadic availability in recent seasons, due to suspensions and injuries, has hampered Memphis’s progress despite his undeniable talent and highlight-reel plays. Achieving consistency in health and behavior is critical for the franchise player now expected to serve as a mentor and coach for his younger teammates.
“He flew all the way from Memphis just to come to my camp. As great as he is on the court, he’s even ten times better off the court.” —Ziaire Williams, Grizzlies forward
The praise from Ziaire Williams emphasizes Morant’s positive influence beyond gameplay, underscoring his potential to galvanize the team through leadership. Morant’s ability to integrate experience and mentorship could be pivotal as the Grizzlies confront fierce Western Conference competition.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds for the Grizzlies
Ja Morant’s leadership will be a decisive factor in determining whether the Memphis Grizzlies can rise to dominance in the 2025-26 season. The front office has demonstrated commitment to establishing a balanced roster around him and Jackson Jr., with new veterans and young talent bolstering the squad’s depth.
The challenges are significant, with intensified competition from revamped rivals and internal obstacles surrounding player health and cohesion. If Morant maintains his health and embraces a leadership role fully, Memphis could leverage their renewed depth and athleticism to make a deeper playoff run. The Grizzlies’ season will test both Morant’s capacity to lead and the organization’s savvy in managing a competitive roster geared toward Western Conference contention.