NBA teams want to explore trading for Memphis stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr after Desmond Bane went to Orlando Sunday. ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst said teams will investigate whether Memphis plans to keep their remaining superstars. The Grizzlies traded Bane for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and four first-round draft picks. Windhorst believes other teams will ask Memphis about extending Morant and Jackson before their contracts expire. The trade raises questions about Memphis rebuilding around these players or starting fresh.
Bane, Jackson and Morant played together for five seasons and reached the playoffs four times. The group never advanced past the second round during their time as teammates. Memphis fired coach Taylor Jenkins despite finishing fifth place during the regular season with 44 wins. Reports suggested Morant had stopped listening to Jenkins before the coaching change happened. Players seemed unhappy with the team direction throughout the season.
Jackson enters his final contract year before becoming a free agent during 2026. Memphis wants to extend Jackson and avoid losing him without compensation. Teams around the league will watch whether Memphis offers new deals to both stars this summer. The Grizzlies seem committed to keeping Jackson but Morant remains uncertain.
Bane, Jackson and Morant played together for five seasons and reached the playoffs four times. The group never advanced past the second round during their time as teammates. Memphis fired coach Taylor Jenkins despite finishing fifth place during the regular season with 44 wins. Reports suggested Morant had stopped listening to Jenkins before the coaching change happened. Players seemed unhappy with the team direction throughout the season.
Jackson enters his final contract year before becoming a free agent during 2026. Memphis wants to extend Jackson and avoid losing him without compensation. Teams around the league will watch whether Memphis offers new deals to both stars this summer. The Grizzlies seem committed to keeping Jackson but Morant remains uncertain.
