Ja Morant’s Future Just Took a Surprising Turn — What’s Next for Memphis?

First, the trade itself was shocking in scale.

Memphis sent Desmond Bane—arguably one of their three best players—to Orlando in exchange for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and a staggering haul of draft picks: the 16th pick in the upcoming draft, the 20th pick, two unprotected first-rounders from Orlando, and a top-two protected first-round pick swap.

The sheer volume of assets Memphis acquired is eye-popping, but it’s not just about quantity—it’s about what this signals.

Most NBA teams don’t trade away one of their top three players unless they’re fully committing to a rebuild.

But Memphis isn’t a rebuilding team in the traditional sense—they have Ja Morant, a superstar who isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

So why make this move?

The answer might lie in the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and salary cap realities, which make it tough to build around a pricey trio like Morant, Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Grizzlies likely believe that the current core has hit its ceiling and is too expensive to sustain.

This trade puts Memphis in a tricky spot.

On paper, they are worse off than last year, having lost a key contributor in Bane who was essential during Morant’s injury absences.

The team was swept in the first round last season and has since fired their head coach after a disappointing finish.

While the front office insists that Morant and Jackson Jr. remain untouchable franchise cornerstones, Morant’s future feels less stable than ever.

Morant recently fired his agent, a move often signaling dissatisfaction or a desire for change.

If Memphis struggles again during the upcoming season, the pressure to make a drastic move—including potentially trading Morant—could mount.

While it would be shocking, it’s not impossible.

The market for an injury-prone point guard who struggles defensively and doesn’t shoot threes is limited, but some teams desperate for a young star are already being linked to Morant.

Speaking of those teams, the Raptors currently lead the odds as the next potential destination for Morant, followed by the Kings, Nets, Heat, and Blazers.

These franchises all have a need for an explosive young talent to push them to the next level.

Surprisingly, the Chicago Bulls haven’t been mentioned much, but that could change if Memphis decides to pull the trigger.

Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. remains a valuable asset.

Unlike Morant, Jackson is a versatile defender and shooter, making him an attractive trade piece despite his injury history and foul trouble.

He’s on a manageable contract and could fit well on many rosters seeking a two-way star.

Memphis could potentially keep Jackson and Morant and try to build around them with the new influx of draft picks and role players, but the Western Conference is stacked with rising teams and veterans.

The reality is that Memphis might struggle next season no matter what.

The West features dangerous squads like the Thunder, Spurs, Rockets, Lakers, Warriors, and Timberwolves—all loaded with talent and depth.

A team relying on a partially healthy Morant and a retooled supporting cast may not be competitive enough to make a deep playoff run.

This could make the 2025-26 season a perfect opportunity for Memphis to “tank” strategically and reload with a stacked 2026 draft class.

The Grizzlies have stockpiled picks that could be used to draft young talent or package for a future star.

This approach aligns with a growing trend where teams prioritize flexibility and depth over chasing superstars in the current superteam era, which some analysts now believe is waning.

Adding to the drama, the NBA offseason is shaping up to be one of the wildest in recent memory.

The Bane trade happened before the Kevin Durant trade was even finalized, and other stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo have been stirring the pot with cryptic social media posts hinting at possible moves.

The league’s power dynamics are shifting fast, and Memphis’s decisions could reverberate across the NBA.

For Grizzlies fans, the big question remains: what is the plan for Ja Morant? Is he the cornerstone of a patient rebuild, the centerpiece of a retooled contender, or a trade chip in a bold reset? The front office’s public stance is firm, but the realities of performance, injuries, and cap space could force their hand.

Morant’s next moves—whether changing agents or potentially testing free agency—will be critical.

In conclusion, the Desmond Bane trade was more than just a blockbuster deal; it was a statement that Memphis is at a crossroads.

With a glut of draft picks, some promising young players, and an uncertain star in Ja Morant, the Grizzlies face a pivotal offseason.

The choices they make now will define their competitiveness for years to come in one of the NBA’s toughest conferences.

Whether Morant stays or goes, one thing is clear: the Memphis Grizzlies’ future just got a lot more interesting.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this story unfolds, with high stakes and even higher expectations.