Grizzlies' offseason plans must include Ja Morant resolution

Grizzlies' offseason plans must include Ja Morant resolution

The door has closed on an uninspiring 2025–26 Memphis Grizzlies season.

Up next is an offseason expected to bring fireworks — and possibly a few surprises — the next four months. Who will be on the roster, and what draft picks the Grizzlies will ultimately control, are among the biggest questions.

The answers will come gradually as Memphis takes time to craft a clear, intentional plan.

This offseason is expected to mark the beginning of a new era. The plan should reflect that.

Fans are hungry for a winner. The Grizzlies haven’t won a playoff game since 2023 — or a series since 2022.

Here are five priorities for the Grizzlies this offseason:

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

Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman 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’ 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.

Reach a resolution on Ja Morant

This situation can’t linger.

Whether the decision is to keep or trade Ja Morant, the Grizzlies need to act.

Keeping Morant would represent a surprising pivot, given how the past few months have unfolded. He has been heavily mentioned in trade discussions and noticeably less visible in team-related community events.

There is still strong fan support for Morant, but any reconciliation would likely need to happen internally within the organization more than externally.

The most realistic outcome, however, appears to be a trade. If that’s the direction Memphis takes, it should aim to complete a deal swiftly, preventing the situation from overshadowing decisions in the draft and free agency.

The Grizzlies managed a similar approach when they traded Desmond Bane in June 2025, allowing the organization and its fan base to turn the page.

Until resolved, the Morant situation will hover over the franchise.

Draft the best player available

This is not the year to draft for fit.

If the top player on Memphis’ board is available, the decision should be simple: Take him.

The Grizzlies have assembled a promising group of young players, but as general manager Zach Kleiman noted on Feb. 6, none has yet emerged as the definitive franchise cornerstone.

That role is still up for grabs.

Memphis should prioritize upside — and the opportunity to land a potential franchise player — with its top selection. The Grizzlies have the sixth-highest odds to land the top pick in the May 10 draft lottery.

Add more future assets

Early in a rebuild is the time to be aggressive in stockpiling assets.

The Grizzlies already hold more draft capital than most teams, including multiple first-round picks in four of the next seven seasons. There’s no reason to stop there.

Armed with a $28 million trade exception, the Grizzlies could absorb an undesirable contract in exchange for additional draft compensation — a strategy successfully used by other rebuilding teams.

If the opportunity presents itself, Memphis should lean into it.

Maintain a veteran presence

While accumulating assets is important, maintaining the right locker room balance matters, too.

The Grizzlies could move some veteran players for additional picks, but there’s value in keeping experienced voices on the roster.

Recent additions the past three years such as Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Taj Gibson reflect the organization’s willingness to prioritize veteran leadership.

Younger players benefited from Gibson’s presence this past season, and Caldwell-Pope remains under contract for another year.

A developing roster still needs guidance. Keeping a veteran presence — at least to some degree — should remain a priority.

Rebuild the connection with the fan base

As the season came to a close, a growing disconnect between the organization and portions of the fan base became more apparent.

Frustrations have mounted the past three seasons, and they’ve been voiced more openly. Now is the time to repair that relationship.

A new era of Grizzlies basketball will require buy-in from fans, but the organization also must create the conditions for that support to return.

A strong draft class and a roster committed to Memphis would go a long way toward reestablishing that connection — and restoring optimism for what’s ahead.

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: Ja Morant future among Memphis Grizzlies offseason goals