Four Grizzlies offseason predictions, including Ja Morant's future

Memphis Grizzlies’ Ty Jerome gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Ty Jerome gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Ty Jerome gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach Tuomas Iisalo gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach Tuomas Iisalo gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach Tuomas Iisalo gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ GG Jackson II gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ GG Jackson II gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ GG Jackson II gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Walter Clayton Jr. gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Taylor Hendricks gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Taj Gibson gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Taj Gibson gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Taj Gibson gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Ty Jerome gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Ty Jerome gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Ty Jerome gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach Tuomas Iisalo gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach Tuomas Iisalo gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach Tuomas Iisalo gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ GG Jackson II gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ GG Jackson II gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ GG Jackson II gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Walter Clayton Jr. gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Taylor Hendricks gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Taj Gibson gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Taj Gibson gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Here’s our best photos of the Memphis Grizzlies exit interviews

Memphis Grizzlies’ Taj Gibson gives his exit interview on April 13, 2026 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

The most anticipated move of the offseason is a potential Ja Morant trade. Reports first surfaced in January that Memphis could move its two-time All-Star point guard.

After holding on to Morant through the trade deadline, he didn’t play another game due to a left elbow injury. General manager Zach Kleiman’s comments in April did little to quiet speculation about Morant’s future.

“I’ll reiterate, Ja has been a pro,” Kleiman said on April 13. “Ja has been a pro behind the scenes the last few months here. We have had open dialogue, we’ve had respectful dialogue. I think everyone is on the same page as much as they can be in this situation. I’m not going to speculate on potential transactions.”

The Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat were among the reported suitors leading up to the trade deadline. From a fit standpoint, the Phoenix Suns also make sense, given their need for a true point guard.

Morant’s trade value likely won’t match the returns Memphis received for Bane or Jackson, but a team will still bet on his upside despite an injury-riddled past three seasons.

Memphis lands No. 7 pick, drafts a point guard

This outcome may not be flashy, but it’s realistic. Since the NBA flattened lottery odds in 2019, no team with the sixth-best odds has jumped into the top four. The most common landing spots have been No. 7 or No. 8.

Falling to No. 7 would still give Memphis access to a quality guard prospect. At least two of Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr. or Mikel Brown Jr. should still be available.

If the Grizzlies move on from Morant, targeting their next point guard of the future becomes a priority — and this draft provides a solid opportunity to do so.

DRAFT OPTIONS: Four potential NBA draft options for Memphis Grizzlies' first pick

Multiple Grizzlies players get traded

Morant likely won't be the only player on the move.

A quick look at the roster math makes that clear. All 15 standard roster players could technically return based on their current contracts. Taj Gibson has a non-guaranteed deal that could be declined, and GG Jackson has a team option that is widely expected to be exercised.

Even if Gibson isn’t retained, Memphis still would have 14 players under standard contracts. The team also owns two first-round picks and the No. 32 selection, which could add up to three more players on standard deals — without accounting for any free-agent additions.

That means Memphis would need to clear at least two roster spots, possibly more.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Brandon Clarke, both on expiring contracts totaling more than $34 million next season, are obvious candidates to monitor as the Grizzlies continue their youth movement.

Ty Jerome is another name to watch. He has a player option after next season and could carry trade value, though Kleiman has expressed strong interest in keeping him.

“I think we were all impressed with the balance Ty was able to strike as a scorer and as a facilitator,” Kleiman said. “He’s a very good basketball player. Of course, we see what he can be as part of this group.”

If Morant's trade value doesn't pick up, Memphis also could package one of its youngest players as another asset in a potential deal.

Cedric Coward shines in NBA Summer League

Cedric Coward is expected to play in the NBA Summer League, and the Grizzlies will need him to do more than just participate — they’ll need him to stand out.

Coward showed flashes as a rookie of becoming a quality starter, though the extent of that ceiling remains unclear.

If he takes a leap in scoring assertiveness and shot creation, it could elevate his game to another level. He has already demonstrated the ability to defend, rebound and score efficiently.

Pairing a strong summer league performance from Coward with the addition of a high-upside guard would position Memphis well as it continues its rebuild.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies offseason predictions include Ja Morant trade