Selected with the 39th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Wells has outperformed his draft slot in ways that typically command top dollar on the open market. The Grizzlies will not let Wells hit free agency soon. According to Tuomas Iisalo, EVP Zach Kleiman knows the going price for a starting caliber two-way wing and why Wells is the best fit around Beale Street.

“Jaylen is just extremely solid. (Wells) fits into different types of lineups because he doesn’t need the ball to impact the game positively,” Iisalo explained. “He’s knocking down open shots and also improved his mid-range scoring, which is high efficiency for him. Defensively, he’s taken on different matchups. He’s always been an on-ball specialist for us. Now, for the second year, his off-ball defense, his awareness, his disruption have really gotten better.”

That last sentence is the statistical argument in plain language. Wells is producing in his sophomore season to the tune of 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 three-pointers made, and 0.9 steals in 26.7 minutes per game. Those are the quiet numbers. The louder ones came when Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. were out. Wells averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 boards, and 2.0 assists while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc in December. That three-point accuracy is up to 45.3% in February.

Wells has had three 20-point games in a five-game stretch and posted four steal games twice. He went 10-of-13 from the field for 25 points against the Miami Heat after the NBA All-Star break. The efficiency, not just the scoring, is what separates this run from ordinary production. Committing about one turnover per game despite the drastic increase in usage rate (20.8) is acceptable at this part of the process. Thankfully for the Grizzlies, the CBA’s cap and a 10-year rolling comparison of second-round picks made good provide a great framework for a team-friendly deal.

Jaylen Wells, Grizzlies on the clock

Herb Jones, the 35th pick in 2021 by New Orleans, signed a four-year, $54 million extension ($13.5 million AAV) after two seasons averaging 10 points and strong defense. Andrew Nembhard, selected 31st in 2022 by Indiana, inked a three-year, $59 million deal ($19.7 million AAV) following a sophomore year with 9.5 points and 4.5 assists. Ayo Dosunmu, the 38th pick in 2021 by Chicago, secured a three-year, $21 million contract ($7 million AAV) after similar 3-and-D production.

Isaiah Joe (49th, 2020) signed a three-year, $30 million deal ($10 million AAV) with Oklahoma City; Aaron Wiggins (55th, 2021) agreed to a five-year, $47 million extension ($9.4 million AAV). Wells should demand a number near the top end of that scale. If his February surge (51.6% FG, 44.9% 3PT) carries into the offseason, that $15 million target may prove conservative.

For the Grizzlies, extending Wells now aligns with building around cost-controlled talent amid salary cap constraints. It’s a contract that would immediately hold first-round value. For Wells, pushing for $15 million AAV capitalizes on his momentum before injuries or roster changes alter his leverage. Unrestricted free agency is still a long way away, and that would be a huge gamble for such a small return under the NBA CBA’s Estimated Average Player Salary structuring.

However, there is no telling where this organization will be a year from now, nor can anyone assure the 22-year-old (birthday in August) has a significant role in it. So lock in the middle ground money first. Haggle over the player options until Labor Day. Either way, this should be done before training camp opens. There should be some security in place to cover the prime years before Wells risks another crazy accidental injury.

The post Why Grizzlies’ breakout star should push for $15 million contract extension this summer appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Howard posted on X, formerly known as Twitter:

“People like Taj Gibson & Al Horford is the reason I ain’t retired I want a farewell tour”

The message came shortly after the Memphis Grizzlies agreed to sign Gibson to a two-year contract following their buyout of Kyle Anderson, who joined the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gibson, 40, played during the 2024-25 season with the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11.1 minutes per game across 37 appearances, including 11 starts. He shot 49.5% from the field, 50% from three-point range and 60% from the free-throw line.

Horford, 39, also secured a new deal this offseason, signing a two-year, $12 million contract with the Golden State Warriors that includes a player option for the 2026-27 season. Horford has maintained a consistent role this season, averaging 21.2 minutes over 37 games with seven starts. He’s posting averages of eight points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting 43.1% from the field, 35.4% from three and 89.5% from the free-throw line.

Dwight Howard points to Al Horford, Taj Gibson as blueprint for potential NBA return

Howard, 39, last appeared in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. In 60 games, including 27 starts, he averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 61.2% from the field and 53.3% from three-point range in limited attempts.

A former No. 1 overall pick by the Orlando Magic in 2004, Howard built a Hall of Fame résumé over 18 seasons. He earned eight All-Star selections, three Defensive Player of the Year awards and led the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals. He won an NBA championship with the Lakers during the 2019-20 season.

Howard was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September as part of the 2025 class that also included Carmelo Anthony.

While Howard has not formally announced comeback plans, his remarks suggest he remains motivated by the sustained careers of Horford and Gibson as he considers the possibility of a farewell tour in the NBA.

The post Dwight Howard using Al Horford, Taj Gibson as examples for possible NBA return appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The pending singing of Taj Gibson will leave the Grizzlies with 15 standard roster spots and three two-way contract spots. In order to get up to the league-required 14 roster spots prior to the Gibson addition, the Grizzlies signed former Portland Trail Blazers wing Rayan Rupert to a 10-day contract.

Gibson will make his Grizzlies debut as one of the oldest players in the NBA at age 40. This will be his 17th season in the league after spending last year with the Charlotte Hornets.

The No. 26 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Gibson appeared in 37 games for the Hornets last year, including 11 starts, at a little over 11 minutes per game. He averaged 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds with splits of 49.5 percent shooting from the field, 50 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 60 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Gibson began his career with the Chicago Bulls, where he played for seven and half seasons before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the 2017 deadline. He has also played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons.

Gibson will bring a veteran presence to a young Grizzlies team. At this point in his career, his leadership and off the court presence is more valuable than what he brings to the court.

The post Grizzlies bring in Taj Gibson after Kyle Anderson buyout appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Though hopes of the NBA Playoffs have all but faded away, this stretch is arguably the most critical evaluation period of the Zach Kleiman era. The front office needs answers before committing significant financial capital to its young core, and the court is currently flooded with players auditioning for their NBA futures.

GG Jackson is getting paid

GG Jackson has been one of the most compelling players in the league, let alone on the roster. He is still one of the youngest players in the NBA after all. Now operating without Jaren Jackson Jr., the South Carolina alum is averaging 17.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 47.8% from beyond the arc. The 21-year-old has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dim February, essentially operating in a revamped version of the Desmond Bane-Jaren Jackson Jr. role.

Heavy usage, varied shot creation, and an increase in defensive responsibility for the rest of the season are expected. Jackson will not take the place of Ja Morant; no one can in Memphis, but the Grizzlies need to determine exactly what he will be. The front office faces a critical financial decision regarding Jackson’s second contract.

His current performance suggests a valuation north of $10 million annually, which takes him out of mid-level exception territory and into a long-term commitment. These final games are an audition for a substantial payday.

Pinning down a point

Putting the Ja Morant trade drama aside, Tuomas Iisalo also needs clarity at the backup point guard spot. Neither Cam Spencer nor Scotty Pippen Jr. has made it an easy call; Javon Small and Walter Clayton Jr. still need developmental reps. Ty Jerome seems more suited for an off-ball role. The Grizzlies are effectively sitting on six point guard options and exactly zero certainty.

Pippen Jr. brings toughness, fight, and an obvious appreciation for the city. He is exactly the kind of player a rebuilding team wants in the locker room. The problem is consistency. He hasn’t shown enough of it yet. The economics make the decision feel urgent as well. Only $350,000 of Pippen Jr.’s $2.4 million contract for next season is guaranteed. That leverage gives Memphis a clear out, but it also means these final weeks are effectively a tryout.

Spencer has shown he may be one of the best shooters on the planet, though he continues to struggle defensively and handling true point guard duties for extended stretches. If he can’t run the show, maintain an elite shooting efficiency, and be a bit more stout as a point of attack defender, Spencer’s minutes will evaporate once the roster is healthy. Doing some of the job is not going to be enough to demand a second contract next summer, especially if Darius Acuff or Kingston Flemings get drafted by Memphis.

Ty Jerome juggling emotions

Ty Jerome didn’t sign up for a full-scale rebuild. The wily 28-year-old veteran inked a deal expecting a competitive team around him, and instead, he’s navigating a season that has shed most of its expected core pieces. An offseason injury that cost Jerome most of the season did no one any favors either. There is no buyer’s remorse yet, but the Grizzlies and the rest of the NBA need something from before the summer arrives.

Expect Iisalo to serve up plenty of opportunities. Boosting the value of Jerome’s $9.2 million expiring deal before the NBA Draft would help everyone move to blank-slate situations. A strong finish alleviates those lingering injury concerns and potentially turns an ill-fitting contract timeline-wise into a long-term asset.

Taylor Hendricks has a tough time

The Grizzlies have dealt with blows to their big men for too long, and the issues continue. Even imperfect minutes could help the front office determine whether Hendricks fits alongside the oft-injured Zach Edey. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies have not gotten the right circumstances to put the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade piece in advantageous positions, per Iisalo.

“I mean, with every player, whether it’s off a, let’s say, static situation, most of the time for a player like Taylor, it’s going to come off the catch. It’s getting past his own guy, then making good decisions, and developing that skill set of finishing at the rim or finding those open shooters. He was in a tough situation (against the Golden State Warriors). Kyle Anderson late scratch for the game, and Taylor went into a new position after having been with the team for very little time. I thought he did a pretty good job there for not having practiced it once. Obviously, the big situation (with Zach Edey) is what it is.”

Extension-eligible evaluations

The Grizzlies are approaching a series of roster decisions that will define the franchise’s financial outlook. Hendricks, Jackson, and Jaylen Wells are all extension-eligible, meaning their future roles need to align with salary cap investment. That creates a natural hierarchy to sort through in the wing/off-ball rotation alongside Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward.

Kleiman’s front office cannot afford to enter extension negotiations guessing. Memphis needs data. The players need reps. They need to know who fits alongside whom when the core eventually returns.

Losses may dominate the box scores, but evaluation season is far from meaningless. For the Grizzlies, the next few weeks will shape everything from the backup point guard job to future contracts. The future of the franchise is essentially being decided on the floor every night. For fans who care about what comes next, there is plenty to watch.

The post 5 reasons Grizzlies fans should still care even after tanktastic losses to Kings, Warriors without Ja Morant appeared first on ClutchPoints.

It’s getting hard to ignore the South Carolina alum’s averages of 17.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 47.8% from three-point range since January 31. Jackson was posting approximately those same numbers as a rookie in a low-pressure situation. However, his usage rate (23.3) and three-point volume (4.2 attempts per game) have skyrocketed since the NBA Trade Deadline, showing he may finally be settling in as an NBA veteran.

“I mean, (Jackson) has made big strides throughout the season. We talked about it with GG during his summer league already that his superpower is getting to the paint,” Iisalo explained. “He’s been doing a great job of touching the paint. His efficiency is at career-highs right now. How he’s finishing in those situations, that’s a testament to his hard work.”

That sneaky-good ability to attack the rim with length, touch, and burgeoning confidence could prove vital as the Grizzlies transition into a post-Morant, post-Jaren Jackson Jr. era. While the franchise waits for its star guard’s return from an elbow injury or charts a new path forward, Jackson’s growth offers a glimpse of a sustainable scoring punch that can handle being an offensive hub.

Iisalo wants a traditional table-setting point guard. Slashers with size to absorb contact at the rim and shooting range should finish plays according to the Finnish tactician. Still, the Grizzlies will need someone putting pressure on the defense to close out this season. EVP Zach Kleiman is getting a lot of data suggesting the former first-round pick is ready for a bigger role and possibly a multi-year contract extension this summer.

“(Jackson) is playing way simpler offensively,” Iisalo stressed. “He’s playing well off the catch and finding the open guys. He still has to toggle that between the right amount of aggressiveness and patience. Defensively, he’s improved as a point of attack defender. There are still some things that he needs to do better on the defensive end, being on a string, having that defensive awareness, rebounding better for his position, but I think it’s very encouraging the steps he is making, and offensively has become a real weapon.”

Being a 21-year-old NBA veteran with three seasons of experience is a wild situation in the NCAA’s NIL/Portal Era. Jackson had a great rookie season before taking a back seat last year as the Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane core took a shot at a title that wound up with an NBA Play-In Tournament ceiling. Still, he waited for and ran with every opportunity. That patience and investment may pay handsomely off for everyone next season.

Iisalo’s priority is to see just how much of a superhero GG Jackson can be down the stretch first. He is still years away from his projected prime after all. A long, athletic, paint-crashing wing who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions fits the modern NBA’s franchise anchor position perfectly. Teamed with Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, and a gem point guard from the 2026 NBA Draft, Memphis would be ready to contend once again.

The post How a sneaky Grizzlies ‘superpower’ could help fans forget about Ja Morant appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Keeping things simple, relatively speaking, is apparently the recipe to run out the last two dozen or so games.

“I think the biggest thing is playing somewhat coherent basketball,” Iisalo stated. “We were able to plug in a few new guys right away into the playing rotation. That was not easy. We tried to keep the cognitive load to a minimum. Just do the basics. Those days we had to practice (after the All-Star Game break) were very important in that regard.”

Losing Ja Morant (injury) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (trade) marked a genuine inflection point for a small-market franchise looking to make a quick pivot back into contention. While most NBA staffs got to rest during the break, Iisalo’s staff mapped out a reset.

“We worked to make sure everybody was going in the same direction and knew what was expected of them in different situations,” shared Iisalo. “For that, you need to stabilize some of the roles. So when we have new guys coming in, we’ve looked to keep their roles as similar as possible night in and night out so they can find some stability.”

Iisalo’s stability-first approach is central to what Grizzlies (21-35) fans and league observers might call an ethical tank job. They are competitive but have fallen six games behind the LA Clippers for the final NBA Play-In Tournament spot. Still, as more players return from injury and the front office fills out the roster with 10-day contracts, Iisalo plans to increase the complexity for those who have shown they can handle it.

“The guys who are, let’s say, more fluent in our language. We can move them around a little bit and see what we have not yet uncovered about the players,” Iisalo explained. “Because they are playing with different players in different roles, you can suddenly see that a guy is able to do something that wasn’t maybe as obvious before then.”

Hidden gem discoveries are what separate a well-run rebuilding season from a wasted one. Sending the current group into the summer with habits and film that translate to next season, regardless of where the draft lands, is the top priority. Wins would be welcome, Iisalo has made clear, but not at the expense of the bigger picture. The Finnish coach will need to lean on the lessons learned over the next six weeks to survive another six-month slog in 2027.

So, for now, the measure of success over the final weeks will not be found in the standings but in whether the Grizzlies establish a foundation for the offseason. If Memphis can finish the year playing organized, disciplined basketball, the team hopes a difficult 2025-26 campaign will at least produce clarity heading into a new era.

The post How Grizzlies ended Kings’ 16-game losing was an ethical NBA Draft tank job masterpiece appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Check our Sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Ja Morant paved quite the path for himself at Murray State, becoming the program’s all-time leader in single-season assists (331), single-season points (808), and career assists. In 2018-2019, Morant become the first player in NCAA Men’s Basketball history to average 20+ points and 10+ assists per game.

In joining Nike and releasing his debut signature sneakers shortly thereafter, the Nike Ja 3 arrives as Morant’s most unique creation yet. The stunning silhouette is uniquely tied to his electric play on the court and this upcoming “Murray State” colorway serves as a constant reminder where Morant became a household name.

Nike Ja 3 “Murray State”

OFFICIAL RETAILER IMAGES: Nike Ja 3 “Murray State”
March 5th
Adult + GS sizing
$125 / $102

Get a closer look: https://t.co/ItnM2TTeDT pic.twitter.com/0TmPf5px5I

— Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) February 23, 2026

Ja Morant rocks the Nike Ja 3 “Murray State” pic.twitter.com/t81kCkTyLe

— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) January 22, 2026

Morant released previous “Murray State” versions of his Nike Ja 1 and Ja 2 sneakers over the last two years, all following a similar White/Blue/Yellow ensemble to match the school colors of the Racers. Playing into the “claw” design throughout the Nike Ja 3, the left shoe will feature alternating scratch marks with yellow-to-blue gradient, while the right shoe of both shoes will feature blue-to-yellow gradient for a mismatched look.

Based in a ZoomX outsole, the shoes will feature a white base throughout the uppers, tongue, and sockliner. We see electric blue/yellow Nike Swooshes on the lateral side of both shoes, finished by a metallic JA logo on the tongue. All in all, this is certainly the most unique “Murray State” colorway we’ve seen from the signature line thus far.

The Nike Ja 3 “Murray State” will release March 5, 2025 for a standard retail tag of $125. The shoes will come in full family sizing with adjusted pricing and are expected to drop on Nike SNKRS come release day. Usually available in ample stock, be sure to check your local Nike retailers as well to see if they’re stocking pairs.

What are your thoughts on Morant’s latest Nike Ja 3 creation?

The post Ja Morant’s ‘Murray State’ Nike Ja 3 sneakers return appeared first on ClutchPoints.

A big reason for the Grizzlies’ struggles in the campaign is the injuries they are dealing with.

On Monday, Memphis reportedly made a move to add a healthy body to the roster, as they added a former Portland Trail Blazers player to the team, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

From Charania on X (formerly Twitter): “The Memphis Grizzlies are signing former Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert to a 10-day contract, sources tell ESPN. The former second-round pick joins the Grizzlies after playing 139 games across 2-plus seasons in Portland.”

The 21-year-old Rupert entered the league in 2023, when the Trail Blazers used their No. 43 pick on him in that year’s NBA draft. In 139 games played for Portland through two-plus seasons, Rupert averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists while shooting only 36.7 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from behind the arc.

The 6-foot-7 Rupert played his final game in Portland uniform last Thursday, against the Utah Jazz on the road, scoring two points, grabbing four rebounds and recording a steal with two turnovers in 16 minutes of action in a 135-119 win. The following day, the Trail Blazers decided to waive him to create space on the 15-man roster after promoting Sidy Cissoko.

The move to the Grizzlies presents an opportunity for Rupert, who has a fully guaranteed $2.2 million contract in the 2025-26 season, to see a bigger role on the court.

The post Grizzlies sign former Trail Blazers guard after All-Star break appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Following a chaotic fourth-quarter sequence where Pippen and Miami forward Myron Gardner were ejected for a scuffle that spilled into the front row, the Grizzlies guard didn’t hold back. Speaking with 5 Reasons Sports, Pippen addressed the “cheap shot” that sparked the fuse.

“I thought it was kind of a cheap shot. He kind of hit me when I didn’t see him,” Pippen said. “I thought it was a soft move. I just thought maybe he needed a hug on the other end.”

Scottie Pippen Jr on his altercation with Myron Garner

“I thought it was kind of a cheap shot. He kind of hit me when I didn’t see him. I thought it was a soft move. I just thought he needed a hug on the other end”

(Via @5ReasonsSports) pic.twitter.com/WyaGIWfI8y

— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) February 22, 2026

The “hug” in question looked more like a forceful shove that sent Gardner tumbling into the spectators with 1:19 left in the game.

The incident marred what was otherwise a clinical 136-120 victory for the Heat. Miami’s offense was humming, led by Andrew Wiggins, who notched 28 points and crossed the 15,000 career points milestone. Norman Powell added 25 points, as the Heat shot a blistering 54.5% from the field.

Despite the loss and the early exit, the Memphis Grizzlies saw some bright spots. GG Jackson carried the scoring load with a season-high 28 points, while Jaylen Wells chipped in 25. Before the ejection, Pippen Jr. finished with 18 points, six assists, and two steals in just 21 minutes of action.

While the NBA league office is likely reviewing the tape for potential fines or suspensions, Pippen’s “soft move” comments suggest there’s no love lost between these two. Memphis has now lost 11 of its last 14 games, and while they are fighting for their playoff lives, Pippen proved they aren’t going down without a literal fight.

The post Grizzlies’ Scotty Pippen Jr keeps it real on Myron Garner altercation: ‘He needed a hug’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With just 1:19 remaining in the fourth quarter and the game well out of reach, Memphis guard Scottie Pippen Jr. and Miami forward Myron Gardner were both ejected after a physical altercation spilled into the front row.

Scotty Pippen Jr. and Myron Gardner were both ejected for this altercation. pic.twitter.com/3q2Sy5SMrb

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 22, 2026

The friction started when Gardner delivered a “cheap shot” from behind just as Pippen released a 3-pointer. Pippen didn’t take kindly to the contact, immediately charging at Gardner and shoving him toward the stands at Kaseya Center. The two briefly wrestled on the floor before coaches and officials could separate them.

Before the fireworks, the Heat put on a clinic, securing a dominant 136-120 victory. Andrew Wiggins led the charge with an incredibly efficient 28 points on 9-of-10 shooting, even reaching 15,000 career points during the third quarter. Norman Powell added 25 points of his own, helping Miami pull away with a 39-26 third-quarter run.

The Grizzlies, still playing without star guard Ja Morant due to an elbow injury, struggled to find a defensive rhythm. However, young forward GG Jackson provided a bright spot, exploding for a season-high 28 points.

Before his exit, Pippen Jr. was having a productive night off the bench, tallying 18 points, six assists, and two steals in 21 minutes. Jaylen Wells also chipped in 25 points for the Grizzlies, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Miami’s 36-assist performance and hot shooting.

The loss marks the 11th defeat in 14 games for Memphis, while the Heat improve their standing in the Eastern Conference. Both players now face the possibility of fines or suspensions as the league reviews the tape of the wrestling match in the corner.

The post Scottie Pippen Jr pushes Myron Gardner into the stands in Grizzlies-Heat showdown appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jackson represented the Grizzlies franchise for eight seasons from 2018 to 2026. He helped lead the squad to four playoff appearances, having won the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Award and two All-Star selections.

It wasn’t until earlier this month that Memphis decided to move on from one of their most important players ahead of the trade deadline. They sent him to the Jazz alongside John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams in exchange for Kyle Anderson, Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and draft compensation.

Jackson is out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season as he underwent knee surgery. Even though he wasn’t on the court for the game, he was present on the sidelines as Memphis paid tribute to him for his return game.

The Grizzlies' tribute video for Jaren Jackson Jr.

(via @TheJonahDylan)pic.twitter.com/EYV6weeVHz

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 21, 2026

How Grizzlies played against Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Jazz

It’s clear that the Grizzlies appreciated Jaren Jackson Jr. for his services to the franchise. However, they needed to move on as they begin a new path towards a rebuild.

With Jackson being absent on the court, the Grizzlies took down the Jazz by a 123-114 score. The game was close throughout the first three quarters as Utah led 88-87 going into the fourth quarter. Despite this, Memphis boomed with a 36-26 display in the last 12 minutes of regulation to secure the home win.

Eight players scored in double-digits for Memphis in the win. Olivier-Maxence Prosper led the way with a stat line of 23 points, five rebounds, two steals, one assist, and one block. He shot 10-of-16 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. GG Jackson came next with 20 points and four rebounds, Javon Small had 16 points and five assists, while Jaylen Wells provided 13 points and three assists.

Memphis improved to a 21-33 record on the season, holding the 11th spot in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Dallas Mavericks and the Jazz while trailing the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Grizzlies will look forward to their next matchup, remaining at home. They host the Sacramento Kings as tip-off will take place on Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. ET.

The post Grizzlies pay tribute to Jaren Jackson Jr. before Jazz clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Check our Sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Ja Morant has been with Nike since 2019, just before he was drafted by Memphis with the second overall pick. It wasn’t until 2023 that Nike had officially released the debut Nike Ja 1 sneakers, immediately selling out and creating a ton of hype for the line. Three years later, Morant is on his third signature model and actively releasing new colorways of the Nike Ja 3.

After sharing a number of “leaks” on social media, one of which was a new giraffe-inspired Nike Ja 3 “Ja Raffe,” Morant continued to share more looks at unreleased versions of his newest sneaker. Some themes like the “Scratch” colorway make a return while also teasing new concepts for the first time ever.

Ja Morant shares new Nike Ja 3 colorways

Ja Morant is back with another leak, this time showing off a twist on the Ja 3 “Scratch 3.0”

Whether this is a PE or an upcoming pair is currently unclear

More info: https://t.co/selwvdRXop pic.twitter.com/qJIkMeCmzr

— Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) February 19, 2026

Nike Ja 3 “Mardi Gras” unveiled on IG

Read our breakdown >> https://t.co/O3kxWL4ZKQ pic.twitter.com/L69a2PmzWQ

— Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) February 18, 2026

FIRST LOOK: @JaMorant reveals the Nike Ja 3 “Jaraffe” pic.twitter.com/sIiOsgYJn7

— Modern Notoriety (@ModernNotoriety) February 15, 2026

In addition to the aforementioned “Ja Raffe” yearly exclusive, Morant comes back with the Teal/Red/Black “Scratch” ensemble to match the Grizzlies’ throwback logo and uniforms. We also see the return of a Mardi Gras theme, rocking yellow/green/purple to celebrate the party in the Big Easy. The “Ja Raffe” colorway is likely to remain exclusive to Morant, but there’s a strong chance we see the other two leaks manifest themselves into retail releases.

The Nike Ja 3 is currently available through Nike retailers for a standard price tag of $125. In addition to the most recent “Warning Label” All-Star release, expect a wide slate of releases planned for the rest of the NBA season as the Grizzlies continue their hunt for the NBA Playoffs.

Which of these Nike Ja 3 colorways would you like to see released?

The post Ja Morant leaks more unreleased Nike Ja 3 sneakers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Keyonte George injury status vs. Grizzlies

Given the recent controversy regarding the Jazz sitting key players, their injury reports will be monitored closely for the rest of the season. That includes Friday’s game against the Grizzlies, for which Utah lists Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and George as out.

The Jazz expected to be without Jackson and Kessler. Jackson’s recent surgery ruled him out for the year, while Kessler has not played since undergoing shoulder surgery in November.

George and Markkanen were questionable for the game throughout the week. Utah had hoped to get both players back after the All-Star break, but neither appears ready to return. George will miss another game with an ankle sprain, and Markkanen was a late addition to the report with an illness.

Despite the recent scrutiny, both players are dealing with legitimate injuries. George has only appeared in one game in February, ending a three-game absence, only to injure his ankle against the Orlando Magic.

Without George, the Jazz will continue rolling with Isaiah Collier as their starting point guard. Ace Bailey, Brice Sensabaugh, Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski rounded out the starting lineup in their last game without Jackson and Markkanen.

Jazz injury report

Keyonte George — OUT, Right ankle sprain

Jaren Jackson Jr. — OUT, Left knee surgery

Walker Kessler — OUT, Left shoulder injury recovery

Lauri Markkanen — Questionable, Illness

Jusuf Nurkic — OUT, Nose injury management

Oscar Tshiebwe — Questionable, Concussion

Grizzlies injury report

Santi Aldama — OUT, Right knee injury management

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — OUT, Right finger surgery recovery

Brandon Clarke — OUT, Right calf strain

Walter Clayton Jr. — Doubtful, Right calf contusion

Cedric Coward — OUT, Right knee hyperextension

Zach Edey — OUT, Left ankle stress reaction

Ty Jerome — OUT, Right calf injury management

Ja Morant — OUT, Left elbow UCL sprain

Scotty Pippen Jr. — OUT, Left toe injury management

The post Is Keyonte George playing tonight? Jazz vs. Grizzlies injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope underwent a surgical procedure today to address misalignment on his right link finger. He will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season and is expected to make a full recovery in advance of the 2026-27 season,” Siegel wrote in a social media post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday.

The 33-year-old Caldwell-Pope, a first-round pick by the Detroit Pistons in 2013, was acquired by the Grizzlies from a trade with the Orlando Magic in 2025 — the same transaction that saw Desmond Bane go to the Eastern Conference team.

The Grizzlies are having an abysmal campaign, and they are not viewed as a threat in the NBA Playoffs, assuming that they find a way to even get there. Memphis only has 20 wins against 33 losses coming out of the NBA All-Star break, and it’s just good for 11th in the Western Conference standings — outside of the play-in tournament picture.

In the 51 games Caldwell-Pope played with the Grizzlies this season, he only averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds, while shooting only 41.0 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from behind the arc. With the two-time NBA champion sidelined for the remainder of the season, the likes of Cam Spencer, Walter Clayton and Jahmai Mashack could see increased minutes on the floor, as the Grizzlies play out what is turning out to be another letdown campaign.

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Morant has played in just 20 of 53 games this season. He last played on January 21st against the Atlanta Hawks in a 124-122 loss. The former All-Star guard is dealing with a UCL injury in his elbow.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Morant is still dealing with discomfort and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, per ClutchPoints’ NBA Insider Brett Siegel.

It has been a season filled with injuries for Morant. He previously missed more than a month with a calf strain.

All of the injuries for the former second overall pick are only half of the story. He has been in hot water for his off-court antics for several years. That combination seemingly crushed any trade value Morant might have provided for the Grizzlies.

Despite several trade rumors surfacing, the NBA trade deadline came and went with Morant still in Memphis.

Injuries are nothing new to the Murray State product. Over the course of his seven-year pro career, the Grizzlies guard has dealt with ankle sprains, knee sprains, back spasms, hip subluxation, and labral tears in his shoulder. All of that was prior to the 2025-26 season.

He is not the only Grizzlies player to go out via injury.

Additionally, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will undergo a minor surgery to address a misalignment of his right pinky finger.

The post Grizzlies announce Ja Morant timeline amid concerning UCL injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“It was cool. It was definitely a special experience. To be able to be the first game in Berlin, that was super special, especially as a rookie,” Coward told ClutchPoints. “It’s great at growing the game, allowing us guys to get new experiences. Maybe guys haven’t been overseas before. That was my first time in Germany, so that was special. Got to connect with the fans overseas.”

A transatlantic trip in the thick of an NBA season is no small ask, and the physical toll of the extra travel is real. However, the 82-game grind can become somewhat monotonous, grinding in its own way. Players can be forgiven for not really remembering what town they are in, given the airport to hotel to arena and back shuttle schedules. It’s not like the MLB, where teams get a few days to explore a city. So Coward soaked in the culture, the food, the language, and the energy of being in a different part of the world.

On the business end, Practices, media sessions, and fan events created touchpoints with an audience that consumes the NBA at odd hours and from afar. For a young player still establishing his professional identity, that exposure matters.

Bigger picture, with Seattle and Las Vegas already on deck as the next expansion markets, European cities have also been floated as part of the league’s long-term vision. For a rookie still absorbing the professional lifestyle, the Berlin trip felt like a preview of what the league is becoming. Coward is no stranger to the international flavor that already defines the modern NBA though.

“I’m used to it because we have a lot of international players,” joked Coward. “I played in college with teammates that were from Germany and Serbia, but at the same time, going there and experiencing their culture, being in their world, is definitely something special. You get to try new foods, you get to hear a new language all the time, see the way people move around, and have those road experiences you may not get here in the States.”

However, a player’s world can only be so big if they want to reach All-Star status. That is why the rookie also made clear that the World Cup this summer won’t sidetrack his personal preparations. While several Grizzlies took in some EPL games during the Euro trip, Coward plans to stay locked in on his offseason workout regimen ahead of Summer League action. The globe might be going wild for a goal in the background, maybe. Coward just hopes to play on that sort of stage in a few years, if and when NBA basketball expands beyond North America.

“I don’t really watch soccer like that,” Coward admitted. “I’m not a huge soccer fan, but at the same time, to see how big soccer is around the world, it’s exciting. Hopefully, basketball can grow the same way worldwide and be like soccer is.”

It’s a candid take, and an instructive one. The World Cup stands as perhaps the single greatest example of a sporting event that transcends competition and becomes something closer to a cultural phenomenon. For the NBA and FIBA, it represents a benchmark, the kind of worldwide relevance that basketball is actively chasing. Trips like the one to Berlin are a step in that direction.

Getting quality minutes after years of watching from the sidelines has Coward antsy for the rest of this season. Ja Morant is out for a few more weeks, all but assuring the Grizzlies will miss the postseason. Coward will have a new lottery-level teammate to work with soon enough. Until then, finding some All-Rookie team silver linings amid a losing season is the first step in leading the franchise back to the NBA Playoffs.

The post Exclusive: Cedric Coward on ‘special’ Euro trip, why World Cup will not derail summer plan appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Grizzlies are currently in 11th place in the West, which theoretically puts them in the running for a play-in tournament spot. But they seem to have no interest in vying for a postseason spot, especially after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz prior to the deadline.

This at least gives the Grizzlies’ remaining veterans time and space to recover from any knocks, which is precisely what Caldwell-Pope is doing. The team is in the business of trying to compete for improved lottery odds, which means that they will be prioritizing the youth moving forward.

Caldwell-Pope was acquired by the Grizzlies this past offseason in the Desmond Bane trade. He’s played in 51 of the Grizzlies’ 53 games this season thus far, averaging 8.4 points per game on 41/32/91 shooting splits.

Grizzlies lean on youth amid Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s injury

Caldwell-Pope, on paper, could have been a solid stopgap addition for the Grizzlies as they tried to remain semi-competitive in the aftermath of the Bane trade. But disaster has struck from every direction for the Grizzlies, amid Morant’s injuries and underperformance, as well as injuries to key players such as Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Zach Edey, that Memphis didn’t stand much of a chance.

Caldwell-Pope, nonetheless, is guaranteed to stick in Memphis for next season. He has a player option worth $21.6 million for the 2026-27 season, and that is the kind of money that in no universe he’d be declining.

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Speaking with HoopsHype at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Cedric Coward was asked about the perception Ja Morant has around the league and what it’s actually like to be around him.

It’s safe to say that Coward didn’t hold back.

“Yeah, it depends what people think about him,” Cedric Coward told HoopsHype. “If you want to say all the negative connotations about him, you’re dead wrong and you need to keep your thoughts to yourself. Ja is one of the best people I’ve ever met. One of the best people to be around. He’s the same way, goofy – we quote movies all the time. I mean, he’s always cracking jokes.”

Ja Morant and his leadership was called out by head coach Tuomas Iisalo in early November 2025 and was suspended one game due to what the team called, “conduct detrimental to the team.” Morant has wanted to remain a member of the Grizzlies, and has stayed professional throughout the process.

Coward continued to explain how great of a teammate Morant has been to him.

“What people portray him to be is not what he is. He’ll take care of you in terms of like, when we had the ice storm, he offered to buy my groceries, just little things like that he doesn’t have to do, but he does out of the kindness of his own heart and just taking care of people, just because that’s who he is. That’s like his nature. And then at the same time, he’s just a great person to be around. Like I tell people all the time, he’s one of the people I’d bring to my cookout, you know, and you’d be like, “Hey man, come on through.” You know what I’m saying? And everybody would love him.”

In 48 appearances thus far this season, Cedric Coward has averaged 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 34 percent from three.

Ja Morant has struggled to stay on the court this season, playing in just 20 games this season. He’s averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.0 steal per game in a career-low 28.5 minutes per game.

The post Cedric Coward defends Ja Morant, fires back at his critics appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Check our Sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Upon being drafted to the Grizzlies and adopting Memphis as his new home, the city showed their love for Morant by inviting him to the Memphis Zoo in 2020. They even went the extra mile to name one of their newly-born giraffes after the rookie sensation – Ja Raffe.

It has been exactly three years since Ja Morant met Ja Raffe and said he now has a son.

“You hear me!?” Morant said. “I think I’m going to adopt you.”

pic.twitter.com/ZSeCYPcX0o

— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) November 20, 2023

Once his signature sneaker debuted in 2023, it was only right that Ja Morant rocked a giraffe-inspired colorway of his Nike Ja 1 sneakers. A year later, Morant teased a follow-up Nike Ja 2 “Ja Raffe” sneaker and eventually wore the sneakers in-game for the Grizzlies. Following this same cadence, Morant recently shared a “leak” of the Nike Ja 3 “Ja Raffe” colorway.

Nike Ja 3 “Ja Raffe” leaked by Ja Morant

FIRST LOOK: Ja Morant just leaked his “Ja Raffe” Nike Ja 3 PE @JaMorant pic.twitter.com/PR6HJg7yH5

— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) February 15, 2026

Ja Morant unveils Nike Ja 3 “Ja Raffe”

The Memphis Zoo named a baby giraffe after Morant back in 2020

Learn more >> https://t.co/kg1f8dmM2c pic.twitter.com/xbSERN67Hl

— Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) February 16, 2026

The wild pair returns in another Brown/Tan/Pink theme to resemble the look of Morant’s spotted friend. Usually featuring claw marks throughout the uppers, this Nike Ja 3 will instead feature brown giraffe spots throughout the mesh panels. The Nike Zoom outsole will feature alternating claw marks in brown and tan with a pronounced tan “A” towards the heel. The final detail shows a pink Nike Swoosh to spell “JA” along the upper, a humorous nod to Ja Raffe’s pink tongue.

Previous “Ja Raffe” colorways have not released to the public and while the Nike Ja 3 is being remastered and released at a feverish pace, don’t be surprised if Ja Morant keeps this collection exclusive to himself and his giraffe “son.”

The post Ja Morant teases wild new ‘Ja Raffe’ Nike Ja 3 sneakers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Coward, the 11th overall pick out of Washington State, has earned himself a role with his workhorse attitude, providing the Grizzlies with tenacity and toughness on both ends. He has started 35 games.

The 22-year-old newcomer will only improve as he progresses, stating that the biggest lesson he has learned so far is to “keep it simple.”

“I learned that when we played OKC (Thunder) at home. Last possession, (Alex) Caruso put me in a box. I was too complicated in what I was trying to do,” said Coward on “The Kevin O’Connor Show.”

“I wish I can get that moment back. I know I’ll have that moment again, it might not be against Caruso, but I know the moment will come again.”

Cedric Coward says Alex Caruso “put me in a box,” and shares the valuable lesson learned going against an all-world defender. @ACFresh21 https://t.co/20R63KDpR5 pic.twitter.com/fcL7Th7HtW

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) February 17, 2026

He added that he has learned to let the game come to him instead of forcing the issue. At a young age, Coward has a mature mindset, and battling experienced opponents like Caruso has made him understand the NBA more.

“Get to your spot and get to what you’re comfortable doing and not really worrying about what they’re going to do,” added Coward.

“So for me, do not do anything crazy, and also, get the matchup I want. I’d rather go against somebody else other than Caruso on that Thunder team.”

Coward was named among the Rising Stars at All-Star Weekend, but he was unable to play due to a knee injury.

He is averaging 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.

The post Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward fearlessly names NBA player who ‘put me in a box’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal, which covers Memphis, Coward is going to miss Friday night’s event as the forward is dealing with “right knee soreness.” The plan is to get the injury re-evaluated after the festivities and the break.

While the team is going to play it safe with Coward, the 22-year-old out of Washington State did miss the last game before the All-Star break with the same issue. It remains to be seen if the injury will impact him enough to miss Feb. 20’s game against the Utah Jazz when Memphis comes back from the break.

However, his inclusion in the Rising Stars event made sense, as he’s stood out as a rookie despite the learning experience.

“I mean, it’s not just a mental test or emotional, but also a physical test for (Coward),” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said, according to ClutchPoints’ Chris Dodson. “He doesn’t have that load, you know, that you have from previous years or even from the summer. So, he’s had to play catch-up the whole season, and we saw some early signs of that with the stress reaction in his foot.”

Grizzlies’ Tuomas Iisalo on Cedric Coward’s rookie season

So far this season, Coward has averaged 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 46.8 percent from the field to go along with 34 percent from beyond the arc. Iisalo would go into more about Coward’s rookie season thus far.

“There’s been some other stuff, but (Coward) has done a great job,” Iisalo said. “I try to rein myself in to keep the minutes to an acceptable amount so that he can also keep practicing at the same time,” Iisalo noted. “Because it’s one thing to play heavy minutes in the games, but if those minutes come out of the practice reps, that’s also not good for a player that clearly needs to get better to reach the highest levels.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen if Coward misses more time.

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Appearing Thursday on NBA Today, ESPN insider Shams Charania said expansion discussions are “top of mind” for the league’s Board of Governors, with a March meeting expected to provide further financial clarity.

“This is top of mind for the Board of Governors and the NBA owners because this is big business potentially,” Charania said. “And I’m told there is a Board of Governors meeting in March where the expectation is there’s going to be some more information, financials on what it looks like when you go get a couple more expansion teams potentially. What it means for the rest of the league? How much are the valuations for those two teams going to be? What does the league layout look like? And then potentially in the summer as 2026 goes on, have a potential determination.”

Seattle, Las Vegas expansion push could force NBA realignment decision

Charania added that Seattle and Las Vegas are widely viewed as the frontrunners for expansion franchises. Should both cities land teams, the league would likely need to shift one current Western Conference franchise to the Eastern Conference to maintain balance.

“My understanding is Seattle and Las Vegas are the frontrunners for expansions teams and from there a Western Conference team moving to the Eastern Conference,” Charania said. “So, you think about teams in that region, right? Memphis, Minnesota, New Orleans. Could one of those teams potentially move to the Eastern Conference? These are conversations that will be picking up as 2026 goes on. This is still a few years away from actually taking place as far as these expansion teams being put forth for the public.”

“Seattle and Las Vegas are the frontrunners for expansion teams. From there, a Western Conference team moving to the Eastern Conference… Memphis, Minnesota, New Orleans,?”

— Shams Charania on the potential expansion around the NBA in the upcoming years pic.twitter.com/oTIsvvNz0E

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2026

Among the candidates, the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans are frequently mentioned due to geography. Memphis enters the weekend’s All-Star festivities at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles with a 20-33 record, sitting 11th in the Western Conference after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz at the deadline in what signaled the beginning of a rebuild.

New Orleans is 15-41 and 14th in the West, also navigating a transitional period. Minnesota, meanwhile, stands at 34-22 as the fifth seed and is coming off consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances, positioning itself as a contender that could benefit competitively from an Eastern Conference alignment.

While expansion remains years away from implementation, the NBA’s long-term structure is clearly under evaluation as financial projections and competitive considerations take center stage.

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Now, Jackson Jr.’s former Grizzlies teammate, point guard Ja Morant, has reacted to the news with a simple message on social media, quote tweeting the report from NBA insider Chris Haynes on X, formerly Twitter.

@jarenjacksonjr https://t.co/tSr0asAQgr

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) February 12, 2026

Morant and Jackson Jr. had built a strong connection during their time as teammates with the Grizzlies organization, which at one point looked to be on the cusp of something special in the Western Conference.

However, things ultimately ended up falling apart in Memphis over the last few years, as the team missed the playoffs altogether after an injury-riddled 2023-24 season, and then were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder last year.

The losing spell made a trade deadline fire sale in Memphis more or less inevitable this year, and plenty of fans and pundits alike thought that a deal involving Morant might also be on the horizon, especially after he was suspended earlier this year for publicly putting the coaching staff on blast.

However, Morant has since reiterated his commitment to the Grizzlies organization, although it’s unclear at this point if that is what stopped the team from trading him at the deadline, or if they simply weren’t able to find an offer from another team high enough for their liking.

In any case, the Grizzlies have now moved on from several staples of their likeable 2022-23 team, including Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Dillon Brooks.

Memphis will now have some time off for the All-Star break before they next hit the floor next Friday, coincidentally against the Jazz.

The post Grizzlies’ Ja Morant wishes Jaren Jackson Jr well after injury news appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Acquired from the Grizzlies on February 3, Jackson scored 23 points in a 121–93 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. The game marked the first time in his NBA career that the 2022–23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year suited up for a team other than Memphis, reinforcing Utah’s aggressive push to reshape its roster for a postseason run.

The trade sent Taylor Hendricks, Walter Clayton Jr., and three first-round picks to the Grizzlies. The move reshaped both franchises and sparked speculation about how Jackson felt leaving the organization that drafted him fourth overall in 2018.

The Athletic’s Tony Jones shared what the Jazz forward said about his time in Memphis, posting the response on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account after the game.

“I have nothing but love and respect for my time in Memphis and they know that”

The quote marked Jackson’s first substantial public comment on the trade. His message emphasized appreciation rather than frustration, offering clarity amid swirling narratives about the deal.

For Utah, that tone carries weight. Jackson now pairs with Lauri Markkanen as the Jazz position themselves in the Western Conference playoff race. By speaking respectfully about Memphis, he eliminates potential distractions and reinforces a professional locker-room culture.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies pivot toward youth and future draft capital, while the Jazz prioritize defensive versatility and scoring punch. Jackson’s 23-point outing highlighted his two-way impact and immediate on-court fit.

The early returns suggest Utah believes the aggressive gamble will pay dividends as the playoff picture begins to sharpen.

Most importantly, Jackson’s comments close one chapter while opening another. He preserved his legacy with the Grizzlies while embracing a new opportunity in Utah. For the Jazz, that clarity strengthens team chemistry and public perception as the season moves forward.

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Now, the Grizzlies only trail the Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets in first-round picks over the next seven years, and they are at least set up to start a rebuild around recent first-round picks Cedric Coward and Zach Edey, both of whom have showed a ton of potential.

It’s quite a shame that the Grizzlies weren’t able to reach their full potential while the Morant-Jackson duo were firing on all cylinders, but at the very least, Memphis did not fall prey to denial and hit the reset button before the value of their players depreciated, leaving them with fewer future assets (looking at you, Chicago Bulls).

With that said, this is how the Grizzlies did prior to the trade deadline and the grade they deserve for how they maneuvered.

Ja Morant somehow outlasted Jaren Jackson Jr. on the Grizzlies

Leading up to the trade deadline, the likeliest Grizzlies star to get dealt was Morant, as his relationship with the team has clearly soured and his play on the court hasn’t helped matters whatsoever. His three-point shot has deserted him, his athleticism has waned, and he hasn’t looked like a game-changer for much of the season, in which he’s only played 20 games.

This complicated matters for the Grizzlies. Morant was a star they wanted to build around, but he’s been so unreliable for Memphis due to a combination of off-court troubles and on-court decline that the Grizzlies certainly had to listen to whatever offers were available for their floor general on the trade market.

But the Grizzlies found those offers very much inadequate, and Morant remains with the team as a result. He has two more years left on his contract, and there weren’t many teams that wanted to take the risk on the highflying guard, and Memphis found it best to simply keep their mercurial point guard even though he’s clearly been unhappy with the team for the entirety of the season, if not for longer.

However, the Grizzlies, instead of trying to compete for a play-in spot, simply decided to blow it up after getting a grandfather offer from the Utah Jazz for Jackson. They received the most favorable of the Minnesota Timberwolves/Cleveland Cavaliers/Utah Jazz’s 2027 first-round pick, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns’ unprotected picks in 2027 and 2031, respectively.

There is a chance that two of those picks become incredible assets for the Grizzlies. That 2027 first-round pick may not amount to much, but given that the Jazz included theirs in the trade, and that they aren’t guaranteed to make it to the playoffs anyway due to how stacked the Western Conference is, Memphis could end up winning big.

The Lakers’ pick won’t be too valuable since Luka Doncic is on the roster, but there is so much uncertainty from here until next year that it’s hard to say anything for sure in that regard. And then there’s the Suns’ unprotected pick in 2031; they might be a good team now, but Devin Booker will be 34 years of age by the time the 2031 NBA Draft comes along, and Phoenix might end up being a bad team by then.

In addition to those picks, the Grizzlies also got valuable young players such as Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks, adding even further to the team’s youth movement.

The Grizzlies have done well in deciding when to trade their star players away. Bane netted them four first-round picks and a pick swap. Jackson got them three firsts and two recent first-round picks. JJJ’s supermax contract extension is also set to kick in, so that’s no longer Memphis’ problem.

To that end, the Grizzlies have earned the benefit of the doubt on the Morant front. He has two years remaining on his deal after this season, so Memphis isn’t exactly in a rush to trade him away. Perhaps they are still holding out hope that he can revive his trade value in Beale Street, which could then net them a more suitable return than the offers that were available prior to the deadline would have brought them.

(The Grizzlies also acquired Eric Gordon and a 2032 second-round pick swap from the Philadelphia 76ers to facilitate a salary dump, and later waived him — an inconsequential move.)

The tank is on in Memphis

As mentioned earlier, the Jackson trade at least indicates that the Grizzlies front office was sensing the direction the team was heading and instead of waiting for the worst to come true, they got out ahead of it and got plenty of assets in return.

Now, Memphis has plenty of ground to make up in the tanking wars. They still might have too good of a roster, especially with Ty Jerome playing out of his mind since returning from injury. At present, Memphis has the eighth-worst record in the NBA, and at 20 wins, there’s a chance that they don’t improve their lottery odds even further.

But if their performance on Monday night against the Golden State Warriors was any indication, the Grizzlies are about to pull off some egregious tanking maneuvers — because what else would explain Cam Spencer not even getting a shot up towards the basket after Tuomas Iisalo decided not to call a timeout to advance the ball to get a better shot?

The tank is on, and the Jackson trade proves that they can tank without much guilt, unlike the Jazz and Washington Wizards, two teams that pulled off win-now trades but are obviously trying to lose a few games since they will be forking over their respective first-round picks if those selections land outside the top-eight.

The worst place to be in in the NBA is the middle, and the Grizzlies have stayed away from that dreaded area.

Grizzlies’ trade deadline grade: A

The post Grizzlies 2026 NBA trade deadline grade after 2 deals, keeping Ja Morant appeared first on ClutchPoints.

That attention is validation for all the hours put in when no one was looking, or even listening, to Spencer’s early-morning swishes. Hundreds of players get a shot at suiting up. Being recognized as a true threat in the NBA is worth more than any number on a contract, especially for a late (53rd) second-round pick.

“It means a lot. It’s hard work paying off. I’m not that surprised, but it’s exciting,” admitted Spencer. “I’m going to keep going, keep working hard. It’s cool to have that respect from other teams, when they are really prepping for you. As a competitor, you want to find a way to beat that scout, hit a few big shots, and help the team win anyway I can.”

Well, Spencer (11.8 points, 5.6 assists) should have free rein in picking and rolling with everything except the hype music.

Grizzlies mix things up

As Tuomas Iisalo’s Grizzlies were looking to mix things up amid a rough season, that DJ idea was reportedly scratched. Jokes about getting to the gym early just to load up a playlist aside, the 25-year-old was not ready to admit to a musical crime just yet when pressed by ClutchPoints.

“Might have been, because I am a big country music fan,” Spencer laughed, “but I don’t think it was me. I’m pretty low on the DJ board. If I play country, I get kicked off pretty quick.”

A sly, small concession for a player entrusted with controlling virtually everything else as the Grizzlies navigate the final stretch of a tumultuous season. While Spencer may rank low on the AUX hierarchy, his voice carries weight where it counts. On every court with a hoop, championship experience speaks louder than any speaker system.

Spencer’s top-5 three-point shooting (45.3%) this season should play into the long-term plans as well. Whichever way the trade winds blow this offseason, getting attention is just allowing him to show off some of last summer’s work. Catch-and-shoot threats are one thing; Cam has been asked to operate as the lead ball handler far more often. This is where that initial validation can become a nightmare for some players, a knockout blow to their career trajectory.

The upscale winds up being too much of an ask, but the Grizzlies aren’t getting those vibes so far. Spencer has four or more assists in all but three games since Thanksgiving. He has at least eight assists in seven of the last 17 games, as of February 11. Tuomas Iisalo got to see what his version of 21 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds looked like in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Expect to see a few more of those highlight nights down the stretch.

Fittingly, this conversation came right before the Teofimo Lopez versus Shakur Stevenson fight. Mike Tyson’s quote on everyone having a plan until being punched in the face was mentioned. That’s why Spencer has spent over a thousand tracked hours practicing counters at this point. No one sees that pace slowing down either.

The ‘why’ on that process is simple.

“It’s very fun, and it shows if you’re a well-rounded basketball player. That’s when you’ll have counters for whatever defensive scheme they send your way,” Spencer noted. “They’ll try to mix it up, but if you’re a well-balanced player, you’ll show you can adapt and attack any scheme they have coming.”

Spencer’s assist rates are all up over the past month, and the giving does not stop when the clock hits zeroes.

Grizzlies’ Cam Spencer gives back

Along with Pat and Will, the brothers have used their platform to give back to their community with some charity-based fun. Competitive energies get rechanneled into poker and golf before training camp to help raise funds for veterans battling PTSD. Sure, there were a few hands and chips shots that got away during the annual run. However, Cam is not quite yet focused on getting revenge on the felt or redemption on the greens.

When it really comes to connecting with people, hoops still has his heart. There is still a season to play out and some respect to earn for everyone in the locker room. It’s a test of character, which Spencer keeps passing. A cold stretch is bound to come though; it happens ot everyone eventually. Having a solid support system makes it easier to remain confident despite the mounting losses.

“Faith and family are two things that definitely mean a lot to me,” Spencer stressed. “I think those are the foundations of life. I wouldn’t be here without my family, all the people who helped me get here.”

That was a big reason the brothers started the foundation. It’s also why Spencer does not frame belief as a boundary line so much as a baseline for perspective. Everything else is filled in with basketball.

“Growing up, we were a Christian family, but whatever you believe,” Spencer explained, “I think it’s important to have faith in something. I think the great thing about sports, especially basketball, is that it brings people from all over the world together to share the same love of competing, the passion, and love of the game. It’s a way to show unity on the court.”

The Grizzlies may push him off the Bluetooth’s play button, but in the heart of wrestling country, Spencer’s sweet chin music should help fans find a silver lining to a lottery-bound season. In the process, Memphis has at least developed an invaluable cultural and on-court building block for the future.

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Of course, then there are situations where trades simply do not develop as some had anticipated.

Take Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, for example. This is one of those scenarios where the star player held virtually no market value amid all the other activity at the NBA trade deadline. There was never any deal close to happening for Morant and the Grizzlies, which is why he enters the back half of the 2025-26 season as a prime trade candidate in the summer.

Then there are situations like the one that transpired with Ivica Zubac and the Los Angeles Clippers. In the week leading up to the trade deadline, the Clippers signaled to every team calling about Zubac that they were not interested in trading him and that he would remain with the team, even after the James Harden-Darius Garland swap.

This obviously did not hold true, as the Clippers dealt Zubac to the Indiana Pacers in the final hour before the NBA trade deadline passed. How did this trade come together so fast, and why did the Clippers all of a sudden change their stance on trading their starting center?

Both Morant and Zubac are on opposite sides of the spectrum regarding the trade deadline: one was traded, and one was not.

That is the nature of the NBA trade deadline, and like both these players, so many other notable names and teams were involved in advanced trade discussions leading up to this past Thursday’s deadline. With that said, let’s dive right into what happened with Morant and why the next few months are expected to be his last in Memphis.

What’s next for Ja Morant, Grizzlies?

Since his feud with head coach Tuomas Iisalo and the coaching staff on Oct. 31, nothing has gone right for Morant and the Grizzlies. Aside from his injury concerns, Morant and the organization have been at odds, resulting in a new path being charted by GM Zach Kleiman and this front office.

It is very clear, especially after the trade deadline, that the Grizzlies are rebuilding and gathering assets for the future success of the franchise. Desmond Bane was traded in the summer for a slew of first-round picks, and now Jaren Jackson Jr. finds himself in a new home, as he was dealt to the Utah Jazz for three first-round picks and young talents like Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks.

Jackson’s trade came as a surprise to many fans, but the fact of the matter is that teams had been calling the Grizzlies about Jackson since before the holidays. As previously reported on ClutchPoints in early November, teams began making calls not only about Morant’s availability but also about Jackson’s as well.

At the time, pursuing the former Defensive Player of the Year seemed like nothing more than a long shot. However, with the Grizzlies not going anywhere in the standings and Kleiman wanting to hit the reset button with Morant, Memphis began seriously discussing trade avenues with teams regarding Jackson at the start of 2026, league sources said.

Jackson became a prime trade candidate for several teams around the league, including the Golden State Warriors, who held multiple trade discussions with the Grizzlies in the month leading up to the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks all checked in with Memphis about Jackson as well.

How far these talks went and each team’s level of interest in Jackson is unknown.

Two other surprising teams that league sources pinpointed as teams with interest in Jackson before the trade deadline include the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets. The belief among league personnel is that the Hornets’ interest was real rather than exploratory. As far as the Suns’ interest in Jackson goes, one can’t overlook his Michigan State connection with owner Mat Ishbia.

But the main reason the Suns did not pursue an all-in move like adding Jackson was due to the organization’s desire to keep their core group together. Phoenix did not want to shake up its roster and run into cap problems again by adding stars on big contracts. That is why their interest was described more as exploratory than anything else, simply seeing where Memphis’ head was at in trading Jackson.

With Jackson gone, Morant is the last man standing from the Grizzlies’ recent era of success. After all, it was not too long ago that this team won 56 games and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals. Now, a new rebuilding era will commence in Memphis, and a trade involving Morant looks all too likely entering the summer.

So, why wasn’t Morant traded now at the deadline?

Rival teams around the league viewed Morant in the same light as Trae Young, where they would not sacrifice true assets for him, sources said. In fact, some teams the Grizzlies had reached out to regarding a potential Morant trade felt as if they were the ones who should be getting assets in return for taking on the 26-year-old’s contract.

Kleiman and the Grizzlies would not sell low by any means on Morant, which is why he remained with the team past the deadline. League sources say the Grizzlies would have done a deal if they received an offer including a first-round pick.

As far as what his future holds, Morant wants to play and return to the court this season once he is cleared from his current elbow injury, sources said. Whether the Grizzlies allow him to play again, seeing as they will likely begin tanking near the end of the season, is yet to be determined.

Whatever happens the rest of the season, it is very likely that Morant will be traded this upcoming offseason.

Clippers not fully rebuilding

Once Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers less than 48 hours before the NBA trade deadline, teams began making calls to the Clippers to get a sense of what their next move was. Trading for Garland was not a step back necessarily for Los Angeles, but sending Harden to Cleveland led many teams to once again reach out about Zubac.

When the Clippers were 6-21 at the bottom of the league standings, rival franchises were calling the Clippers almost daily to see what the likelihood of them being sellers at the trade deadline was. Throughout their early-season struggles, executive Lawrence Frank and the Clippers’ front office continually told teams that they did not want to give up on the season or shake up their core.

As previously reported at ClutchPoints with Tomer Azarly, the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, and Charlotte Hornets were among five different organizations that held strong interest in Zubac before the December holidays. One team even offered a first-round pick and a future swap, which was later revealed to be Boston.

Interest in Zubac did not go away, especially from the Pacers’ perspective. Their main goal before the trade deadline was to find a way to move Bennedict Mathurin and add a center who could immediately get them back into the championship mix when Tyrese Haliburton returns for the 2026-27 season.

The Pacers continued to make calls to the Clippers in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, league sources said. At the same time, Indiana was also discussing what it would take to trade for Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks and Yves Missi from the New Orleans Pelicans. Other players, such as Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe from the Brooklyn Nets, were viewed as potential Pacers trade targets.

Zubac was the player Indiana had at the top of their list, which is why they continued to make an aggressive push for the All-Defensive center in the immediate aftermath of Harden being traded. Although the Clippers did not want to trade Zubac, this was seen as an opportunity to sell high and regain lost assets from previous deals made through the years.

As of Wednesday night before the trade deadline, the Clippers still held no interest in trading Zubac, yet the Pacers’ relentless approach resulted in them putting their coveted 2026 first-round pick on the table. This was a non-negotiable, as Los Angeles insisted that this pick be involved in a trade for Zubac before the deadline, sources said.

While the Pacers did not want to trade such a valuable draft asset for Zubac, they got creative by protecting it 1-4 and 10-30. Essentially, since the Pacers hold the second-worst record in the NBA, they currently hold slightly over a 50 percent chance at retaining this pick inside the top four. Should Indiana not get a top-four pick in the draft lottery, the Clippers will get this pick instead.

How the NBA Draft lottery plays out with this specific selection will be very telling for the Clippers’ immediate future, as landing a top prospect with the fifth or sixth selection would give them more reason to start fresh and devote time to their newfound youth.

That, along with Harden and Zubac being traded, is why Leonard is viewed as a major question mark in LA.

The talk among scouts and league personnel since the trade deadline is that a few teams called the Clippers about Leonard’s availability in the days leading up to the trade deadline after Harden was traded. Teams that spoke with ClutchPoints after the trade deadline hinted at Los Angeles receiving calls for Kawhi, but we were unable to confirm the exact teams or any legitimate details on the matter.

This upcoming offseason, Leonard will be entering the final year of his contract at $50.3 million, and it is expected that teams will engage in conversations with the Clippers about trading for the 34-year-old. Even though his knee health and injury concerns stand out, many are already comparing these upcoming talks to Leonard being traded by the San Antonio Spurs in the final year of his contract before the 2018-19 season.

It was then that the Toronto Raptors traded for Leonard without knowing what the future held for him in free agency. That move led Toronto to their first NBA championship.

Something similar could happen with Leonard this upcoming offseason. Maybe, just maybe, a return to the Raptors to compete for another championship is a scenario we could see play out.

Big man market heated up before Ivica Zubac trade

This year’s trade deadline was all about frontcourt talent. Multiple teams were looking to improve at the power forward and center positions, which is why we saw names like Ivica Zubac, Nikola Vucevic, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Jock Landale on the move.

However, plenty of notable frontcourt players involved in trade talks throughout the weeks before the trade deadline ended up staying with their current teams. This list includes Daniel Gafford, Yves Missi, Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler, and Domantas Sabonis.

Since many of these players were rumored trade targets for the Raptors, let’s just start there.

Sabonis was the top name linked to the Raptors throughout this year’s trade cycle, as Toronto made it clear they would be making some sort of move to add depth either in place of or next to Jakob Poeltl, who has been dealing with nagging back problems all season. Toronto also had a goal of moving below the luxury tax, which is the move they ultimately decided to make.

Despite the Raptors and Sacramento Kings engaging in serious trade talks about Sabonis, nothing ever truly materialized as far as Sabonis being on the verge of heading to Toronto because nobody around the league wanted to take on Poeltl’s contract. These two teams are expected to talk about Sabonis again in the offseason, especially since the Kings hold high interest in RJ Barrett, sources said.

In addition to talking with the Kings about Sabonis and the Grizzlies about Jackson Jr., the Raptors also made a very strong push the day of the trade deadline for Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, league sources confirmed to ClutchPoints. Multiple first-round picks were offered by the Raptors for Kessler, who is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, yet the Jazz held zero interest in trading their young big man.

Other teams, including the Pacers before landing Zubac, showed heavy interest in trading for Kessler. The Jazz are fully expected to retain Kessler as a restricted free agent in the summer on a new long-term contract. After trading for Jackson Jr., Utah sees itself having a formidable big-man trio that can do damage defensively during the 2026-27 season.

The Pacers were certainly the most active team when it came to pursuing a center at this year’s deadline. Kessler was on their radar next to Zubac, and Indiana held trade conversations with the Mavericks about Gafford as well, sources said. His rim-running abilities and pick-and-roll fit next to the Pacers’ guards would have made a lot of sense, but these negotiations never truly gained any steam.

Whereas Dallas was looking to add an immediate first-round pick in 2026, Indiana was not prepared to offer this pick for Gafford by any means. It also didn’t help that the Mavericks did not hold much interest in Bennedict Mathurin, given his upcoming extension talks in the summer. The Mavs’ main goal was to have clean cap books entering the summer, which is why trading Davis to Washington was essential.

Another team that the Mavericks talked with at length about Gafford was the Atlanta Hawks, sources said. Along with a level of interest in Davis, the Hawks were exploring Gafford’s price point and seeing if they could land him utilizing the expiring contracts of either Kristaps Porzingis or Luke Kennard, as well as a future first-round pick.

Since Atlanta was not willing to discuss their second 2026 first-round pick, which is currently expected to be the Cleveland Cavaliers’ pick, these talks with Dallas never progressed.

Missi was another heavily discussed center this trade cycle, with the Chicago Bulls holding strong interest in him. Although Chicago attempted to trade for Missi on the day of the trade deadline, utilizing several second-round picks they had acquired, the Pelicans were not open to trading the young center unless they were to receive a first-round pick, sources said.

As a result, Missi will now be a prime trade target for teams around the time of the 2026 NBA Draft in June, as the Pelicans want to try to regain a first-round pick in this year’s draft.

Timberwolves to be aggressive in offseason

The Minnesota Timberwolves made an aggressive push for Giannis Antetokounmpo, one that would have involved several other teams in a multi-team framework to pair the Greek Freak with Anthony Edwards. Ultimately, the Milwaukee Bucks were never serious about trading Giannis at this year’s trade deadline, which is why Minnesota, along with several other teams, will once again look to pursue him in the summer.

After back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, the Timberwolves have high aspirations to win the Western Conference and make the NBA Finals this season. Coming up short of this goal will result in changes to maximize Edwards’ emergence as one of the best players in the entire league.

One interesting note on the Wolves, outside of their strong pursuit of Giannis, is that Minnesota checked in on a few star-level players to see if there were any potential buy-low opportunities around the league in January. One of those stars was Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, sources said. Chris Haynes was first to report on the Wolves’ interest in Ball.

The Timberwolves wanted to add a key backcourt piece next to Edwards before this year’s deadline, and after seeing Trae Young traded in a salary-dump-like move by the Hawks, Minnesota made a call about LaMelo.

League sources have described these talks from the Timberwolves as more “exploratory” than anything else, especially since there were no active talks between the two sides leading into the first week of February before the trade deadline. The Hornets were not interested in trading Ball, and the Timberwolves were simply interested in seeing if his price matched that of Young’s, which it did not.

Even though they did make a trade for Ayo Dosunmu, expect to see the Timberwolves be very aggressive in the summer to maximize their championship future. New owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are focused on making their team a true title contender, and it appears they will be willing to pay whatever price it takes to win.

We mentioned Kawhi Leonard’s market likely to heat up in the offseason, and perhaps he would become a prime target for the Timberwolves if landing Giannis isn’t a realistic path.

Lakers’ immediate outlook & LeBron James’ future

With plenty of expiring contracts, many expected the Los Angeles Lakers to make a key upgrade to help their playoff push. Unfortunately for the Lakers, there was simply no market for them with their lack of assets and the wing market being completely dry.

Near the start of January, the Lakers held discussions with the Pelicans about Herb Jones, who was one of Los Angeles’ top trade targets, sources said. While the Lakers did explore the possibility of flipping their future 2031 first-round pick to try to get extra assets in a trade for Jones, the Pelicans were not interested in anything being offered.

The Lakers also attempted to pursue Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, who Los Angeles also held interest in around the time of NBA Summer League in the offseason. However, Wiggins was held out of trade talks by the Heat unless there was a path to them strengthening their package for Giannis. That was not the case here with a potential Lakers trade.

Luke Kennard ended up being the Lakers’ only deadline addition, and he should leave his mark as a sharpshooter receiving passes from Luka Doncic and LeBron James, two of the best passers in the entire league.

As for LeBron and his future, many around the NBA are still of the belief that the 2025-26 season will not be his last. League sources who spoke with ClutchPoints believe James has one more year left in him and that he will want to finish his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, making what would be his 24 years in the league full circle.

How could the Cavs even make this work given their financial situation?

Well, there was a lot of talk after the Garland-Harden swap that the Cavaliers wanted to cut even more salary than they did. As things currently stand, the Cavs are $4.5 million over the second apron and will enter the summer as a second-apron team.

Max Strus and Jarrett Allen were two players who emerged in trade rumors during the days leading up to the deadline, yet both players remained with Cleveland. Could one or both players be involved in more discussions this offseason? Will the Cavs look to make a significant upgrade next to Harden and Donovan Mitchell using these two players?

Whatever the case may be here with the Cavs’ offseason plans, they can create enough space to give James a contract other than a minimum deal. Whether or not Cleveland would be willing to part ways with key assets like Strus and Allen to make this possible is the big question.

Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority see LeBron finishing his career during the 2026-27 season in Cleveland.

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The Jaren Jackson Jr. deal was largely expected to be a precursor to a Ja Morant trade, but no deal materialized by the 12PM PST deadline. Instead, Morant remained a member of the Grizzlies despite loud rumblings about his time in Memphis nearing an end.

So what’s next for Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies?

The Grizzlies are widely expected to trade Morant this upcoming offseason, league sources told ClutchPoints. Memphis pushed hard to trade Morant at the trade deadline, but maintained that they wouldn’t accept a package similar to that of the Wizards’ for Trae Young.

But the Grizzlies ran into the issue of no team willing to give up significant assets for Morant given his off-court and on-court issues. Pat Riley and the Miami Heat were one of the few teams interested in the Grizzlies guard, but wouldn’t meet Memphis’ asking price for the guard.

The Grizzlies also engaged the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks in conversations for Morant, but didn’t come close on a deal with either team by the deadline. According to league sources, trade discussions with the Bucks centered around guard Ryan Rollins, but Milwaukee also wanted to include the contracts of Kyle Kuzma or Bobby Portis, which Memphis had no interest in taking on.

Morant expected to be traded by the February trade deadline, and the fact that he wasn’t came as a bit of a surprise to him, sources said. Teams not making significant offers came as a wake-up call for Morant, who is determined to work his way back from his elbow injury and prove to teams in the NBA that he’s worth trading for.

Despite Memphis currently sitting towards the bottom of the Western Conference standings and entering a rebuild, Ja Morant has no plans to sit out the rest of the season, per source. Morant wants to get back on the court as soon as he’s able to and show beyond a shadow of doubt that he’s still capable of being one of the best players in the NBA.

Memphis is said to feel the same way, wanting to play Morant in hopes of building up his trade value for a deal in the offseason. The franchise continues to signal that they will not sell low on their star guard, which means having him play is in the best interests of both Morant and the Grizzlies.

Morant, who has missed the last 10 games with a sprained UCL in his left elbow, is expected to return from the injury shortly after the All-Star break, league sources told ClutchPoints.

There is, also, the issue of a contract extension. This summer, Morant will be eligible to sign a three-year, $178 million contract extension. The Grizzlies have had no interest in inking Morant to it, and teams interested in trading for Morant will have to keep those extension talks in mind.

Ja Morant has played just 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. He is, however, averaging career lows in efficiency, shooting just 41 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from three.

Memphis is also just 7-13 in the games Morant has played in this season and have the seventh toughest remaining strength of schedule.

The post What’s next for Ja Morant, Grizzlies after no deal materialized at NBA trade deadline? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Some great examples of enforcers are Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer, and Charles Oakley. While the enforcer role isn’t as common in the modern NBA, especially because the league has cracked down on physical altercations, there are a few left of the dying breed. That was on display in the Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets game on Feb. 9. While fights were breaking out, Isaiah Stewart rushed to the defense of his teammates to get involved in yet another squabble, proving he won’t let the role of enforcing go extinct. So, what other active players play the enforcer role well?

5. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

Zach Edey was a polarizing player coming out of Purdue. The 7-foot-4 big man was a force in college. He won back-to-back Naismith College Player of the Year awards, something that hadn’t been done since Ralph Sampson in the early ’80s. Many didn’t think Edey’s interior-oriented game would work in the NBA, though. Scouts were worried about Edey’s foot speed, a lack of a perimeter game, and limited passing ability out of double teams.

It ended up not mattering, though, as Edey immediately became one of the best rookies last season. His size was too much for opposing players to handle, as Edey was a force on the glass and as a paint scorer during his first season. Edey also established himself as an enforcer for the Memphis Grizzlies. In addition to his 7-foot-4 height, Edey weighs 305 pounds. Nobody wants to mess with that, nor could they if they really wanted to.

While he doesn’t have tons of NBA tape yet, Edey has already stepped up to his teammates’ defense on multiple occasions throughout his young career. That is admirable, considering Edey’s young age. Unfortunately, Edey has been limited to just 11 games in year two. He has had ankle problems, something that is extremely worrisome for a man of his size. Hopefully, Edey can get healthy and return to the court to be a big body that nobody wants to mess with.

4. Lu Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder

Historically, winning teams had enforcers to take on the dirty work. That has been proven true in the modern NBA, too. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the defending NBA champions, and they have an enforcer in Lu Dort. The Canadian forward is solid as a rock and can’t be moved from his space. He is built like a football player, and sometimes he plays like it.

The Thunder win a lot of games, and they rely on Dort to make sure opposing teams don’t take their frustrations out on players like reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Enforcers can get a little dirty sometimes, too, and Dort is no exception. In addition to being a ball of muscle, he has become known for tripping opponents and ensuring the players that he plays against walk away with a few extra bumps and bruises.

Dort is a rare player who can truly guard positions one through five. He doesn’t need the spotlight; he is just going to do whatever it takes to ensure his team’s success. Sometimes he crosses the line, but he is certainly one of the league’s best enforcers.

3. Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns

Dillon Brooks is getting the flowers he deserves this year with the Phoenix Suns. Brooks was long viewed as the NBA’s most annoying pest and one of the biggest villains in the league. Fans have seemingly come around on him this year, though. After being traded from the Houston Rockets as part of the Kevin Durant deal, Brooks has played perhaps the biggest role in the Suns being better than expected.

Brooks has never been one to shy away from irritating opposing stars. His rivalry with LeBron James is iconic. He defends the all-time great NBA player well, and he certainly gets under his skin. Brooks constantly irritates other stars, too. He plays through the whistle and knows how to use his body to create just a little bit of extra contact. He does it without it seeming too obvious, too.

Brooks’ antics led to him becoming hated with the Memphis Grizzlies, but his gritty style has become admired in Phoenix. It helps that he is having a career year scoring the ball, too. Brooks is averaging 21.1 points per game, but his insistence on annoying opponents hasn’t slowed down. Brooks is the king of rage-baiting and certainly one of the best enforcers in the NBA.

2. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Whether Draymond Green is an enforcer or a dirty player can be debated. He has had tons of egregious moments throughout his career. His spinning punch on Jusuf Nurkic, the stomping of Domantas Sabonis’ chest, and the chokehold he put on Rudy Gobert all come to mind. Players that Green matches up against tend to end up on the hardwood more often than not.

There is no doubting that Green will always have his teammates’ backs, though. Green thrives when games get physical. He also plays with a finesse player in Stephen Curry, and he makes sure that Curry isn’t on the receiving end of too much contact or any physical altercations.

Considering his Golden State Warriors have won four championships, Green has proven that the enforcer role is still a necessary one in the NBA. Green isn’t just out there to cause chaos, though. Although his offensive game is limited, like many enforcers before him, he is one of the best defenders in NBA history. Green can guard inside or outside and has a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name. He is also a solid playmaker on offense for a big man. Green knows how to get his teammates involved. He has been doing it with Curry, the best shooter in NBA history, and a point guard who likes to play off the ball, for the entirety of his career.

1. Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons

“You don’t expect me to stay on the bench,” Isaiah Stewart said. “The f*** was I drafted to Detroit for?” The big man known as Beef Stew made his role clear after his most recent altercation. Despite being on the bench when punches were flying and pushes were happening, Stewart rushed onto the court to come to his teammates’ rescue.

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, “[Jalen] Duren and Stew consider themselves to be brothers. If you run two guys at one guy and you’ve already crossed the line, human instinct tells him to protect his little brother.” Bickerstaff was not only not surprised that Stewart rushed the court and attacked Miles Bridges, but he also borderline applauded it.

Stewart is willing to sacrifice ejection if it means protecting his teammates, which is evidenced by his eight career times being thrown out. This was far from the first time that Stewart has stepped up as an enforcer for the Pistons. Fans will remember when Stewart was bloodied up and chasing after LeBron James like a madman.

Stewart plays one of the most physical brands of basketball in the NBA. Everything he does is reminiscent of the Bad Boy Pistons of old, and he has carried on the legacy of an elite enforcer in Detroit quite well.

The post Isaiah Stewart and the 5 most intimidating enforcers active in the NBA appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With the signing of Lawson Lovering, the Grizzlies bring back a familiar face, as he spent training camp and preseason with the team. At the conclusion of his initial 10-day contract, the Grizzlies can opt to sign him to one more 10-day deal before needing to either sign him for the remainder of the season or cut him. It’s a good way for the team to evaluate him before making a final decision.

Lovering went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he joined the Grizzlies during summer league. The team liked what they saw enough to invite him to training camp. During preseason, Lovering appeared in four games, averaging 2.0 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 75 percent from the field.

After Lovering was cut right before the start of the regular season, he ended up joining the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate. He suited up in 24 games with the Hustle before his call-up, at a little over 26 minutes per game. Lovering had been averaging 7.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 blocked shots while shooting 58.7 percent from the field.

The Grizzlies’ next game is Monday night against the Golden State Warriors. It will be Lovering’s first opportunity at real NBA minutes. The team is short-handed in the frontcourt with Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, and Santi Aldama all out against the Warriors.

The post Grizzlies make roster move on intriguing big man after trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo was the biggest name on the trading block ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. Ultimately, the Milwaukee Bucks decide to hold onto him. Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have played a game of cat and mouse for far too long. The two-time MVP, who is arguably the best player in franchise history, has signaled interest in a trade on multiple occasions because it seems unlikely that the Bucks can build a contender around him.

However, every time that Antetokounmpo soft-launches a trade request, he seemingly backpedals and claims he wants to be a lifelong Buck. It is unclear whether Antetokounmpo’s hesitancy to commit to a full-blown trade request is because he genuinely wants to play in Milwaukee or because he doesn’t want to be villainized. Regardless, it now seems like just a matter of time until the Greek Freak actually is moved.

The Bucks have little draft capital to improve the roster going forward, and it is clear that they aren’t contenders as is. Their only trade deadline move was to bring in Nigel Hayes-Davis and Ousmane Dieng, neither of whom likely improves the team’s outlook going forward.

If Antetokounmpo is again put on the trading block, all trade talks league-wide will come to a halt until his situation is figured out. Antetokounmpo is still one of the very best players in the NBA. He is a 6-foot-11 freak of nature who bullies opponents inside with brute force. Antetokounmpo can play at a Defensive Player of the Year level on the less glamorous end of the court, too.

Teams have learned from the Dallas Mavericks’ mistakes and won’t trade their megastars for underwhelming packages. The Bucks likely didn’t get a huge package at the trade deadline, but teams may be more willing to mortgage their future for Antetokounmpo in the offseason.

Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers blew their core up at the trade deadline. James Harden was swapped out for a younger Darius Garland, and Ivica Zubac was traded for a package centered around draft capital. Clearly, a new era of Clippers basketball is kicking off, but Kawhi Leonard is still on the roster.

Leonard is a polarizing player whose future is a complete mystery. When healthy, Leonard is one of the best players in the NBA because he is an all-time great defender who can score as the top option. Of course, Leonard has struggled to stay on the court for years. There is also the matter of the ongoing investigation regarding Aspiration and potential salary cap circumventing.

It is unclear what will come from the issue, nor is it clear if the NBA would have even allowed a Leonard trade at the deadline. Leonard has also shown an unwillingness to play outside of Los Angeles. If the league rules that Leonard can be moved, and if teams are comfortable taking him on despite the investigation, injury concerns, and taking him away from his home, then Leonard would be highly coveted in the trade market. He is a player who fits in any scheme and has championship experience with multiple organizations.

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies have been growing frustrated with Ja Morant in recent years. The point guard has been suspended on multiple occasions, and his play has slipped in recent seasons. The Grizzlies didn’t trade him at the trade deadline, though. Instead, Jaren Jackson Jr. was sent to the Utah Jazz.

The Grizzlies had also traded Desmond Bane in the offseason. Memphis now has somewhere between 11 and 13 future first-round draft picks. A new era has begun in Memphis. While Morant is still with the team for now, it still seems likely that he will be traded in the upcoming offseason.

Once viewed as a potential future face of the league, Morant’s trade value has  plummeted because of suspect defense, inefficient scoring, and constant butting heads with his team and teammates. Still, a team could take a chance on him, especially if he goes for much cheaper than his former teammates did in trade.

Morant is still an incredible athlete who can finish inside on, around, or over any defender. It seems unlikely that Morant and the Grizzlies can make amends, so if the off-the-court issues are in the past, somebody should buy low on the Murray State product.

Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets

Michael Porter Jr. has taken his game to new levels with the Brooklyn Nets. Previously more of a catch-and-shoot option with the Denver Nuggets, Porter has been given the ultimate green light this year with the Nets. He has rewarded the team by scoring 25 points per game.

While the Nets could certainly keep Porter as their top option going forward, it is possible that the team will leverage his increased production into an offseason trade. Brooklyn is still rebuilding and is a ways away from contending. They are obsessed with draft capital, considering they currently have five rookie first-rounders on their team and 12 future first-round selections coming their way.

Building around Porter seems like the logical conclusion. His shooting efficiency at 6-foot-10 allows him to fit on any roster/scheme, and he is still just 27 years old. Brooklyn’s desire for draft capital may persuade them to trade Porter in the offseason, though. After all, offseason trades involving big-name players have become commonplace for the Nets in recent years. They received a haul for Mikal Bridges not long ago in the offseason, and Porter was a part of an offseason trade involving Cam Johnson.

Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are all in on a short title window. The team’s roster was simply too expensive to maintain long-term, so they made a short-sided move to acquire James Harden. Sacrificing a much younger All-Star in the process hurt, but Harden likely does give the team a better shot to get into the NBA Finals this year than Darius Garland did.

In addition to the Harden trade, Cleveland sent De’Andre Hunter away in a trade deadline deal for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder. They also moved on from Lonzo Ball. These moves helped the Cavaliers get their finances more in check, but they are still the lone second apron team in the NBA.

Jarrett Allen was already involved in trade rumors, and he has a big contract extension kicking in next year. If the Cavaliers are not crowned champions, they may end up looking a whole lot different next season. The consequences for repeating as a second apron team are harsh, and the Cavaliers’ hand may be forced into trading Allen. Luckily, Evan Mobley has looked more equipped this season to be a full-time center than ever before.

The post 5 stars who weren’t traded at 2026 NBA trade deadline who will definitely be moved in offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. Stephen Curry is on the injury report, listed as out. Curry has been dealing with right patellofemoral pain syndrome, which has forced him to miss several games. Here’s everything we know about Stephen Curry’s injury and his playing status vs. the Grizzlies.

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Stephen Curry injury status vs. Grizzlies

Given that Stephen Curry is out on the injury report, the assumption is that he will not be suiting up against the Grizzlies. Curry could be out through the All-Star break. In a 105-99 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Warriors fell to 28-25 on the season. 

The Warriors surrendered their sixth loss in nine tries, including losses to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Detroit Pistons, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Dallas Mavericks. Curry’s last appearance was in the Warriors’ 131-124 loss to the Pistons on January 30.

Curry finished with 23 points. Amid another All-Star campaign, Curry has averaged 27.2 points on 46.8% shooting, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 39 games this season. After hosting the Grizzlies, the Warriors will host the Spurs on Wednesday, which will be the final game before the All-Star break, and Curry’s last opportunity to suit up before then.

As for whether Stephen Curry is playing tonight against the Grizzlies, the answer is no.

Warriors injury report 

Jimmy Butler III — Out — Right ACL; tear

LJ Cryer — Out — Left hamstring; injury management

Seth Curry — Out — Left sciatic nerve irritation

Stephen Curry — Out — Right patellofemoral pain syndrome

Kristaps Porzingis — Out — Left Achilles tendon; injury management

Grizzlies injury report

Santi Aldama — Out — Right knee; injury management

Brandon Clarke — Out — Right calf strain

Walter Clayton Jr. — Out — Right calf contusion

Zach Edey — Out — Right ankle; stress reaction

Ja Morant — Out — Left elbow; UCL sprain

The post Stephen Curry is out for Warriors vs. Grizzlies showdown appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Season of instability

The Grizzlies entered the 2025-26 season under new head coach Tuomas Iisalo with legitimate hopes of restoring competitive relevance. Instead, the first half of the campaign has been defined by instability, injuries, and a steadily sliding record.

As of early February, Memphis sits at 20-31. They are 11th in the West. That’s close enough to the play-in to remain mathematically alive, yet far enough to signal a pivot toward the future. Continuity has been elusive, with lineup combinations constantly shifting. The defensive identity that once defined the franchise is also eroding. Memphis currently ranks in the bottom half of the league in points allowed per game. That’s a stark contrast to the physical, suffocating style that once made them a nightmare matchup.

Amid the turbulence, there have been developmental bright spots. Zach Edey has emerged as a legitimate interior force. That’s been highlighted by a dominant 32-point, 17-rebound showcase against Sacramento and multiple double-double performances. These have validated Memphis’ long-term investment in size and interior presence. Still, flashes of promise haven’t translated to consistent wins. The broader direction of the franchise has become increasingly future-focused.

Youth-driven pivot

The Grizzlies’ trajectory shifted dramatically in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. The front office leaned fully into a long-term rebuild. The most shocking development was the decision to trade Jaren Jackson Jr to the Utah Jazz. That move dismantled the team’s defensive backbone and symbolized the end of Memphis’ previous competitive core. This followed the previous franchise-altering deal that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando.

With those departures, Memphis has recalibrated its timeline around emerging contributors such as Edey, Jaylen Wells, and Cedric Coward. The organizational messaging was clear: the next era would be built through development, flexibility, and asset accumulation.

Yet looming over every conversation remained the uncertain future of Ja Morant. He has been limited to just 20 games due to a calf strain and later a UCL sprain in his left elbow. Morant’s physical absence mirrored the franchise’s structural uncertainty. His situation became the defining variable of Memphis’ deadline calculus.

Ja Morant purgatory

After years of building toward contention, Memphis finally pulled the plug on its core. The 2026 deadline will be remembered as the moment the franchise chose reset over retool. Sure, trading JJJ was the loudest move. However, the consensus mistake wasn’t a transaction Memphis executed but one they avoided.

By holding onto Morant past the deadline, the Grizzlies entered a precarious state of roster purgatory.

From a directional standpoint, Memphis’ recent trades have screamed full rebuild. Bane has long departes. Now, same with Jackson. Veteran infrastructure has been stripped down in favor of youth and flexibility.

Keeping Morant complicates that clarity. A max-contract superstar, currently sidelined and removed from nightly competition, creates philosophical dissonance inside a developmental locker room. For a team prioritizing reps for young talent, Morant’s looming return introduces role compression and timeline confusion. Memphis committed to a rebuild everywhere except at the most consequential position.

Valuation gap

League sources indicated Memphis entered Morant negotiations with an aggressively high asking price. Talks with the Miami Heat reportedly stalled when the Grizzlies insisted on blue-chip young talent plus first-round draft compensation.

From a leverage standpoint, the logic is understandable. Morant, at full health, remains one of the league’s most electrifying offensive engines. Of course, trade markets are often dictated by present perception, not past peak. Between injury absences and lingering scrutiny, rival front offices viewed Morant as a distressed asset rather than a franchise savior.

By refusing to recalibrate toward a “best available offer” framework, Memphis risks watching his value depreciate further entering the 2026 offseason. That’s especially true with roughly $87 million remaining on his deal over the next two years.

Anti-tanking paradox

Perhaps the most ironic danger of keeping Morant lies in competitive math. As things stand, Memphis sits outside the play-in picture. At the same time, they can seal prime lottery positioning in what scouts describe as a stacked 2026 draft class.

Morant’s eventual return introduces volatility. Even a modest late-season surge could shift Memphis several draft slots downward. For a franchise already committed to youth acquisition, that outcome would represent strategic self-sabotage. They would be too good to tank, too young to contend.

Ripple effects

There is also a softer but equally critical organizational impact. A locker room transitioning toward developmental leadership requires clarity of hierarchy. Young players need defined roles, usage expectations, and long-term vision.

Morant’s uncertain status creates emotional and structural ambiguity. Is he still the franchise centerpiece? A trade chip? A temporary bridge? Without answers, the rebuild operates without a central narrative. That appears dangerous for both player buy-in and cultural cohesion.

Timing versus leverage

Asset maximization underpins the argument for waiting . A healthy Morant, showcased post-injury, could command a significantly larger return in the summer.

That said, waiting also carries downside. Injury re-aggravation remains a risk. Market interest could cool further. Offseason leverage dynamics could shift toward buyers rather than sellers. Trade windows peak and close. Memphis may have allowed theirs to drift past its optimal leverage point.

Rebuild paused mid-sentence

The Grizzlies have made bold moves over the past months. They dismantled a playoff core, embraced youth, and prioritized the future. However, they stopped one step short of organizational closure.

By holding onto Ja Morant while pivoting everything else, Memphis created a roster caught between timelines. This is part rebuild, part remembrance. In rebuilds, clarity is currency. And at this deadline, the Grizzlies spent everything except the one asset that could have completed their reset.

The post Grizzlies’ biggest 2026 NBA trade deadline mistake appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Rebuilds are rarely clean. They require patience, infrastructure, and, increasingly, a willingness to bet on young talent whose early NBA runway hasn’t matched pre-draft expectations. Hendricks still checks the foundational boxes that made him a lottery prospect. His positional size, rangy athleticism, and skill set scale across modern frontcourt roles. Acting as a weak-side rim protector, a low-usage spacer, and a transition finisher is the best way to get into Tuomas Iisalo’s good graces.

Offensively, the expectation should be simplicity. Hendricks is best when he’s a play finisher rather than a play driver. Spot-up shooting from the corners, short-roll decisions, baseline cuts, and opportunistic transition play align with Memphis’ desire to keep young lineups spaced without overloading them with what the coaching staff refers to as read complexity.

Hendricks shot a respectable 39.4% from beyond the arc during his college career and flashed shooting ability in limited NBA action. In an offense that will need spacing around slashing guards and interior finishers, he can function as a floor-spacing four who keeps defenses honest. He doesn’t need to be a primary creator, but his ability to knock down open corner threes and spot-up opportunities gives the offense necessary breathing room.

Iisalo is expected to experiment with Hendricks as a small-ball five in bench units. That look unlocks switching schemes, increases tempo, and creates lineups that trade some rim protection for speed and spacing. In a development-focused back half of the season, those reps are valuable data points for lineup construction moving forward.

Defensively, Hendricks has to use that 6-foot-9 frame to protect the paint. With Edey out and Jackson Jr. gone, Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward will have to hold their own on the perimeter. GG Jackson cannot be the only size swatting shots at the rim.

To many, he was a throw-in, just a former lottery pick who had struggled to find his footing in 15 inconsistent minutes per game with the Utah Jazz. But Hendricks isn’t just an add-on; he’s a reclamation project with the perfect environment, timeline, and skill set to not only salvage his young career but to become a foundational piece for the Grizzlies.

For the rest of this season, the priorities have shifted from playoff pursuit to evaluation and development. This creates an ideal low-pressure laboratory for the UCF product to thrive. Expect raw but tantalizing two-way flashes as Hendricks looks to stick in the rotations.

The post Why Grizzlies expect Taylor Hendricks to thrive in reclamation project role appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Clayton Jr.’s scouting profile is clean and translatable. He is a three-level scorer with NBA-range gravity, comfortable pulling from deep off the catch or dribble, and decisive attacking closeouts. At Iona and Florida, he functioned as a late-clock problem-solver, shouldering on-ball creation while still providing off-ball value through relocation shooting. The shot profile matters regardless of how the Ja Morant situation plays out this summer.

In potential Morant-centric lineups, the Grizzlies need perimeter players who can punish tag defenders and keep the weak side honest. Clayton Jr.’s shooting gravity widens driving lanes around Zach Edey either way. Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells should be cutting up with Clayton Jr. setting the table.

The 2025 NCAA champion and Final Four Most Outstanding Player from Florida has a higher upside than Coby White, Malcolm Brogdon, or Jordan Clarkson in Tuomas Iisalo’s offense. Matt Golden said the near 40% three-point shooter is ‘special talent’ built for big moments. The off-ball sniper could grow into a great secondary creator just in time to help the Grizzlies get over the first-round hump once again. Clayton Jr. is the closer-in-waiting that will push Cam Spencer in every shooting drill.

Turning 23 in March, the 18th overall pick’s lack of elite burst limits him against longer defenders. Finishing through contact can be an issue, and his defense has been inconsistent, though he has the tools (quick feet, instincts) to improve. While not a lockdown athlete, Clayton Jr. is strong, gritty, and fundamentally sound. The rookie navigates screens well, maintains stance, and provides the kind of ball pressure that fits the Grind City identity.

Clayton Jr.’s role projection looks something like 15-20 minutes per game in the regular season, with the potential for expanded responsibilities. He will run pick-and-rolls with backup big men like GG Jackson and space the floor, working off of Ty Jerome. It’s a win on the margins move that could pay huge dividends sooner rather than later.

EVP/GM Zach Kleiman promised a quick rebuild after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. Nabbing Clayton Jr. in the deal was a big part of that process. The Grizzlies are clawing their way back into the championship conversation one calculated move at a time. This might be the kind of addition that makes all the difference between another premature exit and a deep run in 2027.

The post Why Grizzlies must give Walter Clayton Jr. carte blanche to run bench unit appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Reset the timeline, accumulate assets, and empower the next wave, without drifting into an extended teardown. Follow the game plan, and the Grizzlies should be fine long-term. Straddling a fence was far more risky.

“We kind of had a fork in the road,” admitted Kleiman. “We had conviction that the pathway to building a team that can achieve higher-end outcomes involved making a move. We are pivoting to a younger build, we’re not shying away from that.”

The Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane trades were bold, but they were far from reckless. Kleiman recognized that their current construction had limitations, and rather than continue pushing toward a ceiling they weren’t confident they could break through, they chose to reimagine what a contender could look like.

However, conviction alone doesn’t guarantee success. What separates the Grizzlies from teams that languish in rebuilding purgatory is the infrastructure they’ve built to support this pivot.

“The good thing about where we are as we turn the page and embark on building with this group going forward, we’re not starting from scratch,” Kleiman believes. “There are a lot of teams that choose to embark on rebuilds that have no young players, maybe one young player that they think could fit the next build of their team, and have negative draft capital going forward.”

Being in control of 12 future first-round picks available, including eight selections in the next four NBA Drafts, provides leverage. The Grizzlies own all of their own picks, providing the front office maximum flexibility.

“We already have a lot to work with. I don’t think this is some 5-year, try to be terrible,” Kleiman explained. “I don’t believe in that method of team-building. Between the assets that we have accumulated and the players that we have, we’re very optimistic about what we have. This is not going to be some drawn-out five-year process.”

Cedric Coward, Cam Spencer, GG Jackson, Taylor Hendricks, Walter Clayton Jr., and Jaylen Wells should expect an uptick in minutes. Zach Edey’s return is up in the air for now, though getting some repetitions in for chemistry would not be surprising.

“We’re certainly going to be focused on development,” Kleiman shared. “Everything that we’re going to be pushing forward the rest of the season, into the next season, it’s about our guys being able to continue to progress and become the players that hopefully can help us achieve those types of outcomes.”

Those results need to result in NBA Playoffs appearances sooner rather than later, or Kleiman will have to move aside for the next rebuild. The FedEx Forum’s most loyal fans would be too loud in demanding a change.

The post Why Grizzlies have ‘conviction’ quick rebuild leads to NBA Playoffs next season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Fans were bound to be suspicious of the Grizzliesgiven the drastic pivot, just as Morant was keen to keep track of the market’s response to his perceived value. Kleiman addressed those concerns head-on, pushing back against speculation while emphasizing the team’s broader organizational vision.

“I think we’ve been incredibly supportive,” Kleiman explained. “Because Ja is Ja, there’s a lot of attention paid to Ja and everything around him. I honestly think a lot of it is overblown. I’ve had open, constructive, honest conversations with Ja and his camp, and I’m going to continue to.”

“Ja remains a member of the team,” he added. “We evaluate all our players. We have, and we will continue on, whether they’re taking consistent action that lead to consistent positive outcomes for the team. With Ja and everyone else on the team, we will carry forward with an open mind on whether the fit is there.”

Kleiman’s comments reflect a notable evolution from just a year ago, when the front office outright dismissed trade speculation. Still, the Grizzlies are going to keep all options open heading into the summer. The Grizzlies may label the drama “overblown,” but the market’s silent verdict spoke with deafening clarity. Everyone is locked in an uncomfortable holding pattern, waiting for someone, somewhere, to see enough value to make an offer.

“We’ve been incredibly supportive of (Ja Morant) for many years,” Kleiman stressed again. “This is about organizational direction, though. This is not about Ja in particular. I understand that Ja is Ja, and there’s more attention kind of paid to that. But all of this is grounded in organizational direction and building a team that we believe can achieve the highest level of success in this league.”

Injuries and underperformance were death by a thousand cuts for the Morant, Bane, and Jackson Jr. era. At least the Grizzlies got right to the point in addressing their All-Star situation amid a rebuilding project.

The post How Grizzlies addressed ‘overblown’ Ja Morant situation after NBA Trade Deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During the latest episode of “Get Up” on ESPN, Windhorst stated that Morant, who is 26 years old, had “negative value” in trade talks. Which essentially means, other organizations wanted draft compensation attached to Morant as a sort of insurance.

“When I say he has no value, I don’t even think that’s accurate,” said Windhorst. “I think he’s got, what they call in the league, negative value. What that means is teams were not willing to take Ja Morant unless they also attached draft compensation. In other words, you have to pay us to take him.”

.@WindhorstESPN on Ja Morant not getting traded before the deadline:

"I think he's got, what they call in the league, negative value. What that means is teams were not willing to take Ja Morant unless the Grizzlies also attached draft compensation." pic.twitter.com/tpKSLcAN1y

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 6, 2026

Things haven’t quite been all sunshine and roses in Memphis lately. Especially regarding the two-time All-Star. Windhorst’s comments suggest the league is losing interest in the Grizzlies’ star, which is something Kendrick Perkins warned Ja Morant about on Thursday shortly after the trade deadline.

Morant is in the third season of his five-year deal worth over $197 million. He’s set to become a free agent after the 2027-28 campaign. This season, Morant has only played in 20 games due to a string of injuries. He is currently dealing with an elbow injury with an unknown recovery timeline.

In the games he has played, Ja Morant’s production has noticeably dropped. The seven-year veteran is averaging 19.5 points (third-lowest in his career), 3.3 rebounds (career-low), and 8.1 assists (tied career-best). He is also shooting 41.0% from the field (career-low) and just 23.5% from beyond the three-point line (career-low).

The post Grizzlies PG Ja Morant had ‘negative value’ in trade discussions, says Brian Windhorst appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian shared Kleiman’s comments on X following the deadline.

“Kleiman being pressed on if Ja will play this season,” Hill wrote. “It’s a medical determination.”

Morant has not appeared in a game since late January after suffering a UCL sprain in his left elbow. The Grizzlies previously announced that the 25-year-old would be sidelined for at least three weeks, with a reevaluation planned as his recovery progressed. While the team has maintained optimism that Morant will make a full recovery, his timeline remains uncertain as Memphis pivots toward a longer-term outlook.

Ja Morant’s injury clouds Grizzlies roster reset

Before the injury, Morant appeared in 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds and a steal per game while shooting 41 percent from the field. His 23.5 percent mark from three-point range represented a career low, though he converted a career-high 89.7 percent of his free throws. The scoring average was also his lowest since the 2020-21 season, reflecting a year disrupted by injuries and inconsistency.

The ambiguity surrounding Morant’s return comes as Memphis embraces a significant roster reset. Ahead of the deadline, the Grizzlies moved Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in a multi-player deal that netted three future first-round picks along with Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks and Georges Niang. John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. were also included in the transaction.

Memphis enters Friday night at 20-29, sitting 11th in the Western Conference standings. The Grizzlies are scheduled to visit the Portland Trail Blazers (23-28) at 10:00 p.m. ET as they continue navigating a season defined by transition and unanswered questions surrounding their star guard.

The post Grizzlies star Ja Morant’s potential return this season gets cryptic Zach Kleiman update appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Deni Avdija injury status vs. Grizzlies

Given that Deni Avdija is questionable on the injury report, it’s difficult to predict whether he’ll sit out for a second consecutive game. Avdija and Henderson are fixtures on the injury report these days, as Deni missed the Blazers’ first game since his first career All-Star selection this week. Henderson is expected to make his season debut in Friday’s matchup against the Grizzlies.

The Blazers will look to snap a six-game losing streak on Friday. After winning four consecutive games, capped by a 127-110 blowout victory over the Miami Heat, the team began a six-game skid with losses to the Boston Celtics, the Washington Wizards, the New York Knicks, and, most recently, the Phoenix Suns.

With Henderson back, and potentially Avdija, the Blazers will look to return to the win column in Friday’s matchup against the Grizzlies. Avdija will look to avoid his third straight absence amidst the best season of his career, with averages of 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists on 46.7/35.6/80.0 shooting splits.

As for whether Deni Avdija is playing tonight against the Grizzlies, the answer is maybe.

Blazers injury report

Deni Avdija — Questionable — Low back strain

Scoot Henderson — Probable — Left hamstring tear

Damian Lillard — Out — Left Achilles tendon injury management

Kris Murray — Out — Lumbar strain

Matisse Thybulle — Out — Right knee tendinopathy

Grizzlies injury report

Santi Aldama — Out — Right knee injury

Brandon Clarke — Out — Right calf strain

Zach Edey — Out — Right ankle; stress reaction

Eric Gordon — Out — Not with team

Ty Jerome — Out — Right calf injury management

Ja Morant — Out — Left elbow; UCL sprain

Scotty Pippen Jr. — Questionable — Left great toe; surgery recovery

The post Deni Avdija still on injury report vs. Grizzlies as Blazers try to end losing streak appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Even though the Grizzlies were not able to trade Morant, the goal is still the same for the team heading into the offseason, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic.

“Memphis intends to trade Morant over the summer, according to league sources. The team has the patience for any short-term pain that keeping him past the deadline may cause. Don’t view the Grizzlies’ non-action on him as a change in direction,” Vardon wrote.

It seemed as if the Grizzlies did not like any of the offers that they were given from interested teams before the deadline, and they were in no rush to trade Morant. When the offseason approaches, there’s a good chance that they’ll be able to get more offers, and they should be better with teams having more assets to give.

Morant has been sidelined with an injury for the past few games, and it’s uncertain when he’ll make his return. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Grizzlies shut him down for the season as they try to land a top draft pick, but they still may decide to play him when he gets healthy.

The Grizzlies have done well to start the redirection of their franchise, and between trading Jackson and Desmond Bane, they’ve received seven first-round picks. The way that it’s looking, Morant may not go for multiple picks, and the Grizzlies might have to settle for a Trae Young-type deal to move him.

The post NBA rumors: Grizzlies’ plans to trade Ja Morant in offseason after failed deadline deals appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In exchange, the Grizzlies received Kyle Anderson, Georges Niang, Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks,  and three first-round draft picks.

Then on Thursday, Memphis acquired Eric Gordon and a 2032 second-round draft pick swap from the Philadelphia 76ers for the draft rights to Justinian Jessup.

With the arrival of Gordon, one of the league’s best shooters, the Grizzlies announced that they waived Niang.

The @memgrizz today announced the team acquired Eric Gordon and a 2032 second round draft pick swap from the Philadelphia 76ers.

In a related move, the Grizzlies waived Georges Niang. pic.twitter.com/Ld7BYG9wzj

— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) February 6, 2026

The 37-year-old Gordon will add scoring punch off the bench for Memphis, as well as leadership presence. The former Sixth Man of the Year only appeared in six games for the 76ers this season.

He has career averages of 15.2 points on 37.3% shooting from long distance, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.

Even though they are thin at the frontline, the Grizzlies still decided to let go of the 32-year-old Niang. He has yet to see action this season due to a foot injury.

Many thought Memphis would finally get rid of Ja Morant, who’s currently out due to an elbow injury. He has also been involved in several issues due to his brash personality. But instead, it was Jackson, the team’s most consistent stud over the past few years, who was let go.

The Grizzlies now have a plethora of guards, including Morant, Gordon, Clayton, Ty Jerome, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Scottie Pippen Jr.

Memphis is sitting on a 20-29 record.

The post Grizzlies announce move after Eric Gordon trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During the latest segment of “NBA on ESPN,” Perkins urges Morant to realize the situation at hand. He believes that the lack of interest Morant received at the trade deadline indicates that Morant’s NBA career could be coming to an end sooner, rather than later.

“Ja Morant better wake the hell up,” proclaimed Perkins. “Cause in two years, after this contract, he could find himself out the league. It is disturbing to hear that a guy that went, we’re talking about former Rookie of the Year, All-NBA player, All-Stars, a guy that was on the verge of being the face of the league, and a team can’t trade you. They can’t trade you! Nobody wants you… If this is not a wake-up call for Ja, I don’t know what else is gonna open eyes.”

“Ja Morant better wake the hell up. Cause in two years, after this contract, he could find himself out of the league."

– Kendrick Perkins

(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/isGYKqxoQz

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 5, 2026

Morant’s first four years in the league were widely viewed as successful. The now 26-year-old guard won the Rookie of the Year Award for the 2019-20 season, while also earning two All-Star nods, along with a Second All-NBA Team within those first four seasons.

The 2023-24 campaign is where things seemingly went awry. Ja Morant was suspended for a total of 33 games for two separate incidences brandishing of firearms and conduct detrimental to the league. Once the suspension concluded, Morant was forced to miss the remainder of the season after playing just nine games, after suffering a season-ending labral tear injury in his shoulder.

Since then, Ja Morant has flashed talent, but hasn’t been back to his full potential. The Grizzlies star still finds himself in the middle of controversy from time to time, and his numbers have taken a considerable drop.

Morant has only played in 20 games so far this season, as he’s dealt with a string of injuries. In the contests he has played, the former first-round pick is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds (career-low), and 8.1 assists (tied career-high) per game while shooting 41.0% from the floor (career-low) and 23.5% from beyond the arc (career-low).

The post Kendrick Perkins sends harsh warning to Ja Morant – ‘Nobody wants you’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, the Grizzlies are struggling to generate a real market for Morant, as those with interest have not been willing to offer up a first-round pick in discussions, league sources told ClutchPoints. General manager Zach Kleiman and the Grizzlies’ brass are ready to move on from Morant before the trade deadline if they can salvage a first-round pick.

To this point, teams have been viewing Morant in the same category as Trae Young, who was moved by the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. No draft picks were involved in the Young trade, which is the same ideology teams are operating with when approaching the Grizzlies for Morant.

In the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline, the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, and Milwaukee Bucks have all called the Grizzlies to discuss a Morant trade, sources said. While all three teams hold a level of interest in the two-time All-Star, each scenario presents different complications.

Morant and his camp hold zero interest in being traded to the Kings, ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly reported on Wednesday. Sacramento would only entertain such a trade if it were able to essentially swap Zach LaVine for the All-Star guard. But there is serious pushback in Sacramento to such a move, especially with Morant signaling that he holds no interest in playing for the organization.

Potential news of the Kings trading for Morant would come as a shock to many around the league.

The Heat have long been linked to Morant, and they have been labeled by league sources as his preferred landing spot. With all indications from the Bucks earlier in the week being that they would hold onto Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat began pivoting to other potential options before the trade deadline, including Morant.

Even though there is a level of interest in trading for Morant, the Heat do not want to give up anything more than expiring contracts and second-round assets. Miami will not be offering a first-round pick for Morant, sources said, especially now that they can attempt to renew Giannis trade talks in the summer.

That leaves the Bucks, who made it clear Giannis would not be traded earlier in the week and made their intentions to keep him clear to the league on Thursday. Morant has been linked to the Bucks in a potential buy-low spot using the contracts of Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis, but there are obstacles in their pursuit as well.

Milwaukee owns no future second-round picks, and it would take getting at least one other team involved to land Morant. That is why league personnel no longer view the Bucks as a real destination for Morant.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Grizzlies have no path to getting real value for Morant, which is why they will likely hold onto the disgruntled superstar into the offseason.

The post Sources: Grizzlies receiving no value in Ja Morant trade discussions appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For the Kings, though they have an interest in Morant, it doesn’t seem that it’s being reciprocated by the player, according to Brett Siegel and Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.

“I think you reported earlier today that the Sacramento Kings were interested in acquiring or trading for Ja Morant. I’ve been told that Ja Morant is not interested in going to the Sacramento Kings. If he goes anywhere he’s looking at the Miami Heat or the Minnesota Timberwolves,” Azarly said on Clutch Scoops.

It makes sense why Morant may not want to play for the Kings, as they’re not the hottest destination for players. They’re also near the bottom of the Western Conference, and don’t have a true path to getting better.

As for the Heat, Morant is interested in playing there, probably because of their playstyle, and it’s a place where many go and have a rejuvenation of their career. A pairing with him and Bam Adebayo may suit him as well, and the Heat could definitely improve with his addition.

At the same time, the Grizzlies don’t have to particularly honor what Morant wants, and if they know they’re not going to get a great offer for him, they’re going to get the best offer they can from whatever team wants him.

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Memphis traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in the offseason and signaled that they want to build around their two stars: Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. In acquiring Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and four first round picks, The Grizzlies positioned themselves with some assets to improve the roster and a number of intriguing young players like Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and Jaylen Wells, among others.

But Memphis’ season quickly went downhill. Morant played in 11 of the team’s first 12 games, but that didn’t stop the Grizzlies from getting off to a 4-8 start to their season. The Grizzlies guard would go on to play in just nine of the team’s next 37 games before the trade deadline, simply unable to stay healthy due to numerous, unfortunate injuries.

The Grizzlies continued to fall in the standings despite Jaren Jackson Jr. playing in 45 of the team’s first 48 games of the season, which quickly showed that changes needed to be made.

Ja Morant Trade Talks

Ja Morant’s name came up in trade rumors in November, after a heated exchange with Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo in the Grizzlies’ locker room. Those talks were reignited as the team embarked on their trip to Berlin and London, as the team made it known they were fielding trade offers for the former two-time NBA All-Star.

Morant, sources said, has maintained that he never requested to be traded and has wanted to remain with the franchise to see things through. This despite Memphis signaling that they were not going to be offering him the three-year, $178 million contract extension he was eligible for.

The trade sending Jaren Jackson Jr. in a package to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday afternoon came as a surprise to Morant and Grizzlies players, one source said, especially given the fact that the big man just signed the new, renegotiated four-year deal with the Grizzlies franchise in July of 2025 — seven months ago.

Ja Morant has long insisted that he not be traded, expressing his desire to remain a part of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise and community. The guard is aware of his struggles to stay healthy, and wants the opportunity to improve things for the team and the city. But Morant also understands that the trade of Jaren Jackson Jr. now effectively ends this era for the franchise and signals a rebuild around the newer, younger pieces on the roster.

Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman has been fielding trade offers for Morant for over a month now, and the asking price for him as been higher than that of the Hawks for Trae Young. But Memphis is not getting offers anywhere near what they’re asking for, and there’s an increasing likelihood they never will.

The Grizzlies also aren’t working with Ja Morant on any trade packages, added one league source, and Morant’s team is essentially in the dark on trade talks right now. This is not a collaborative situation like James Harden’s with the LA Clippers or Giannis Antetokounmpo’s with the Milwaukee Bucks — if he does officially request a trade.

Morant would like to end up in a situation like the Miami Heat, a franchise led by Pat Riley and Erik Spoeltra that has done their homework on Morant in recent weeks, league sources said. In a perfect world, the Heat want to trade for both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant to pair with Bam Adebayo to make a run for an NBA Championship.

But in the last 24 hours, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel has reported that the Heat don’t believe the Bucks want to take their trade offer, and have since pivoted to potentially trading for Ja Morant.

The Miami Heat are also said to be open to signing Morant the three-year, $178 million extension he’s eligible for, one source said, if they’re able to land him in a trade.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently making a strong push for Giannis Antetokounmpo, league sources say, but could pivot to Ja Morant if their talks for the Milwaukee Bucks star fall through. The Sacramento Kings, sources said, would entertain such a move if it allowed them to get off the contracts of guys like DeMar DeRozan ($24.5 million) and Malik Monk ($18.7 million).

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There really isn’t a trade package out there that the Spurs would even consider, not even one with more draft picks and star talent than ever seen before in a prior trade. Here are the only three trades that would even get the Spurs to think about it for a split second, before they would ultimately shut these proposals down.

Atlanta Hawks

Hawks receive: Victor Wembanyama, Harrison Barnes

Spurs receive: Jalen Johnson, four first-round picks, three second-round picks

The Atlanta Hawks opened the floodgates of trade season. Atlanta traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. It was an underwhelming return for a former All-Star, but the Hawks found it necessary to move on from Young and kick off a new era.

The Hawks might not be done tinkering with their roster, though. As of now, Jalen Johnson is leading the team ahead as the face of the team. Johnson is emerging as a star. He is an athletic specimen who can finish above the rim, and he is averaging career highs across the board. Johnson is scoring 23.1 points and shooting 36% from deep. Most notably, though, the point forward has displayed his playmaking prowess by averaging eight assists per game.

Despite how great his future looks, the Hawks would certainly trade him for Wembanyama. However, even with a surplus of picks coming on top of Johnson, the Spurs aren’t going to give up their prized possession.

Memphis Grizzlies

Grizzlies receive: Victor Wembanyama, Kelly Olynyk, Jeremy Sochan

Spurs receive: Ja Morant, six first-round picks, three second-round picks

The Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane in the offseason. They just sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, too. Now they have 12 future first-round picks and seem primed to trade Ja Morant next. Morant and the Grizzlies have been butting heads for quite some time. The point guard has been suspended on numerous occasions, and his play has really regressed in recent seasons. It is honestly a surprise that Bane and Jackson were traded before him.

Morant is still a former All-Star who is just 26 years old, and a change of scenery could get him back on track. While trading for Wembanyama would be next-to-impossible, the Grizzlies could try to lure the Spurs into a trade with a bunch of the picks they’ve acquired, in addition to the promise that Morant will turn things around.

For the Spurs, trading Wembanyama would be dumb, but adding another point guard would be just as questionable. San Antonio already has De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper on the roster.

Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers receive: Victor Wembanyama

Spurs receive: Austin Reaves, one first-round pick, four first-round pick swaps

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the impossible last year when they traded for Luka Doncic; perhaps they can do the same for Wembanyama. All it took was Max Christie, one first-round pick, and an aging star in the form of Anthony Davis to acquire Doncic. The move was arguably the most shocking trade in NBA history.

Lakers fans now think that their team can get away with anything, regardless of how unrealistic it is. The Lakers have three offensive-minded ball handlers in Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. Flipping Reaves for Wembanyama would be even crazier than the Doncic trade, but the French big man would fit impressively on a roster with James and Doncic. His rim protection would make up for the defensive limitations of James and Doncic, and he’d receive a lot of alley oops and open shots because of the playmaking of those two.

Wembanyama won’t be traded, but everybody said that about Doncic before the Lakers got their hands on him.

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The Grizzlies are now a team that can be a partner and help with other trades, and with the Toronto Raptors reportedly looking to go after Domantas Sabonis, they could be of good use. That means that there is a chance that the Kings could land Morant in a hypothetical trade from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.

“Then again, if Memphis is to rebuild, Kleiman won’t want to take on any long-term salary,” Siegel wrote. “The Grizzlies are solely focused on finding a way to move Morant before Thursday, which leads to the idea of the Kings being a potential suitor for the star guard if Memphis takes on Poeltl’s contract.

“This would offer Sacramento a path to move DeRozan, who is owed only $10 million of his $25.7 million salary if waived this upcoming offseason, by adding draft compensation. Again, this is just a hypothetical path to the Kings dumping future money and striking a deal to send Sabonis to Toronto without taking on Poeltl’s contract.”

This could be a deal where all three teams get what they want, but it’s also uncertain if the Kings actually want Morant. The Kings may also be looking to make some big changes between now and the offseason, and they’ve already traded Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis for De’Andre Hunter.

As for the Grizzlies, with them going through a possible rebuild, taking on long-term salary would be going backwards unless they’re getting a pick out of it. As for the Raptors, they’ll be satisfied with almost anything as long as they can get Sabonis.

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Domantas Sabonis injury status vs. Grizzlies

Given Domantas Sabonis is questionable on the injury report after missing two consecutive games, it’s difficult to say whether he’ll play or not. Sabonis has been a fixture on the injury report these days, as a nagging back injury has forced him to sit in the Kings’ 112-93 loss to the Celtics, and a 116-112 loss to the Wizards on Sunday.

Sabonis has been the subject of trade talks reportedly linked to the Toronto Raptors. However, other teams have also expressed interest as the Kings could be the next NBA team to make a trade after a handful of players were moved throughout of a busy day across the association on Tuesday. The Kings made one trade earlier in the week.

In a three-team deal with the Hawks and the Cavs, the Kings acquired last year’s sixth man of the year candidate De’Andre Hunter, while sending Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, Dario Saric, and two future second-round picks to the Bulls. Hunter has averaged 14 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this season.

As for the question is Domantas Sabonis playing tonight vs. the Grizzlies, the answer is still maybe, unless he’s traded between now and Thursday’s 3 PM EST deadline.

Kings injury report

Keegan Murray — Out — Left ankle sprain

Domantas Sabonis — Questionable — Lower back soreness

Grizzlies injury report

Santi Aldama — Questionable — Right knee injury management

Kyle Anderson — Out — Trade pending

Brandon Clarke — Out — Right calf strain

Walter Clayton Jr. — Out — Trade pending

Taylor Hendricks — Out — Trade pending

Ja Morant — Out — Left elbow; UCL sprain

Georges Niang — Out — Trade pending

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The picks the Grizzlies got for Jackson, the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, could become very valuable; they got the most valuable of the Jazz’s/Minnesota Timberwolves/Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2027 first-round pick to go along with an unprotected 2027 first-rounder from the Los Angeles Lakers and a 2031 first-rounder from the Phoenix Suns.

With the Grizzlies struggling this season to the tune of a 19-29 record, it may have been the best decision indeed to trade Jackson before his supermax extension (worth $204 million over the next four seasons) kicks in. This is a solid follow-up to the blockbuster trade they pulled off back in June when they sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for a total of four first-round picks as well as a pick swap in 2029.

Now, the Grizzlies have a total of 12 first-round picks over the next seven years. According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, only the Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets have more first-rounders over that same period. Memphis is in good position to start loading up on young prospects they can develop to try and build the next contending iteration of the Grizzlies.

Grizzlies are not yet done on the trade market

It’s kind of astounding that Morant outlasted both Bane and Jackson on the Grizzlies, but this just suggests how chilly the trade market for the highflying point guard actually is.

Nonetheless, with the Grizzlies fully embracing the youth movement, Morant is likelier to go via trade than ever. Memphis will end up selling low on him considering how much he’s struggled this season relative to his past level, but there is no room for half-measures when hitting the reset button.

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Based on league value assessments and internal strategy, the new treasure trove breaks down into three distinct tiers.

Untouchable NBA Draft Class

These are the picks front offices covet as potential blue-chip lottery outcomes. They anchor rebuilds and headline star trades. The Grizzlies view them as controllable foundational pieces, the quickest, cheapest way to acquire All-Star caliber talent. On the market, they’re highly coveted for their unprotected nature and the rebuilding timelines of the involved teams.

• 2026 Memphis Grizzlies

With Jackson Jr. gone and the Grizzlies now squarely in the great tank race of 2026, this is the most direct path to a top prospect immediately. Currently holding the 9th-worst record, Memphis has a great chance at a top-10 selection in a highly regarded draft class.

• 2027 Memphis Grizzlies

The team will not be ready to compete, roster will be constructed to finish in the NBA Draft lottery once again. Internally, this aligns with Kleiman’s patient rebuild strategy, valuing it slightly below the 2026 pick but still as a core rebuilding tool. Market-wise, it’s seen as another strong lottery bet.

• 2030 Memphis Grizzlies

Either Zach Kleiman has a championship roster, and this pick is in the late 20s, or a new front office has taken over. The other 29 NBA teams want this pick as a short, a hedge, betting against the Grizzlies pulling off a pivot from the Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. era.

• 2030 Orlando Magic (unprotected)

From a pure market standpoint, this is arguably the most attractive external pick in the war chest. Orlando’s long-term organizational stability is viewed skeptically by rival executives. The Magic’s current Paolo Banchero project is volatile, with a non-trivial probability of another teardown cycle by 2030. Unprotected, distant picks from unstable franchises are how teams steal top-five outcomes years in advance. This is the kind of asset that can headline a future star package.

Grizzlies having second thoughts

This middle tier includes picks with good upside but more variability. The Grizzlies see them as trade chips for acquiring young talent or veterans, while the market prices them as reliable but not elite assets.

• 2026 Phoenix Suns (unprotected)

An immediate asset with tangible value, Phoenix’s unprotected 2026 pick should land somewhere in the 20-25 range if the Suns maintain their competitive trajectory. While not a home-run selection, it represents a quality addition in the upcoming draft and could be packaged with Memphis’s own top-10 pick for a team looking to move up for a specific prospect. The certainty of getting a first-round pick in 2026 makes this a reliable if unspectacular asset.

• 2031 Memphis Grizzlies

Six years is an eternity in NBA planning, but this pick still holds substantial value. If the franchise has succeeded, this becomes a late first-rounder that is still valuable but not transformative. If they’ve failed, it could be another lottery pick in a continuing cycle of mediocrity. The distance makes projection nearly impossible, but the pick remains a quality asset that most contending teams would happily include in a trade package.

• 2028 Memphis Grizzlies

By 2028, the Grizzlies expect to be good. The organization believes their current core, alongside whoever they draft in 2026 and 2027, has tremendous potential if development goes according to plan. Memphis is likely to acquire a couple of fringe All-Star caliber talents to chase the postseason, making this pick a likely 18-25 selection at best. The rest of the NBA sees the vision but may want to short the market. The divergence between internal optimism and external skepticism creates interesting trade dynamics.

• 2032 Memphis Grizzlies

Seven years into the future, this pick is more concept than concrete asset. Still, it provides Memphis with flexibility and additional ammunition in trade negotiations. By 2032, the league’s landscape will be unrecognizable. The uncertainty actually enhances its value in certain trade scenarios, particularly as a sweetener in a larger deal.

Scrap value in swaps

The lowest tier features picks with protections, swaps, or optimistic projections, making them trickier to value. Internally, these are viewed as supplementary assets for packaging in deals, and the market will want a discount due to their contingencies.

• 2031 Phoenix Suns (unprotected)

Matt Ishbia’s post-superteam future remains opaque now that Kevin Durant left town. The Suns are doing finenow sure. Aging curves, cap inflexibility, and ownership appetite for resets all factor into how the league prices this pick. Phoenix could be bad by then, but it’s not close enough to be treated like near-term lottery equity. Ownership might pony up for another run at a title, too, having learned from a few mistakes the first go-around.

• 2027 Los Angeles Lakers (top-4 protected)

Protections matter. Top-4 protection materially reduces the chance this becomes a franchise-altering asset. The market also assumes the Lakers won’t voluntarily waste a year of Luka Dončić’s prime, which compresses downside risk. Useful in packages, but rarely a centerpiece.

• 2029 Memphis Grizzlies (1-14)

Pick swaps are notoriously hard to price. This one is contingent on Memphis underperforming relative to the counterparty in the lottery range. With two unreliable franchises involved, the variance is high, but the expected value is modest. Front offices discount swaps heavily unless the trajectories are clearly divergent.

• 2029 Orlando Magic (15-30)

This is the least valuable asset in the portfolio. A swap limited to the back half of the first round between two volatile franchises rarely moves negotiations. It’s a marginal upside kicker rather than a meaningful building block.

Zach Kleiman’s decisions in the Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desond Bane trades were less about a single return and more about purchasing optionality. The risk, of course, is that none of these picks becomes a true blue-chip outcome. If the Grizzlies fail to land at least one genuine top-five caliber prospect out of this portfolio, the deals will go down as a quantity-over-quality moves in a league where quality still dictates ceilings.

The post How Grizzlies value all 12 future NBA Draft picks after Jaren Jackson Jr. trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The next order of business is finding a new home for Nike’s best salesman to pivot to the new era. However, thanks to a treasure trove of draft picks and a flexible cap sheet, a savvy front office should be able to maneuver through a rebuild without enduring a prolonged tanking phase. Patience and a lack of expections helps too. The Grizzlies shouldn’t have to sell Morant for dimes on the dollar before the NBA Trade Deadline.

Fans on Beale Street should be happy to hear that, at least, even if they will not expect much from the on-court product for the rest of the season. The 2026-27 rotation is taking shape quickly and looks familiar to the Grind City. Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, and GG Jackson have potential as a frontcourt trio. Taylor Hendricks, 2023’s ninth-overall pick, is a reclaimation project. Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward on the wings will give offensive-minded opponents nightmares. Cam Spencer setting the table for Ty Jerome should keep the scoreboard operator busy on the three-point button.

Unfortunately, Edey is out for a while, so this vision will have to wait. Still, the expected post-Morant model is straightforward, even if Ja is on the roster for a few more months. However, point guard scouting just got serious; replacing Morant with Darryn Peterson or Kingston Flemings would excite the fanbase. AJ Dybantsa or Nate Ament would push Wells and Jackson on the wings.

All four of those upcoming rookies have All-NBA potential. Given the current state of affairs, failing to find two more bona fide All-Star talents within the next 18 months would be terrible for any future competitiveness. And that’s the only way the organization can convince the fanbase this pivot away from a beloved roster was worth the trouble.

Before the draft, Memphis must find the right way to use that $28.8 million trade exception before it expires. Taking on another short-term contract for additional first-rounders is the way to really bottom out on a rebuild. Squandering that cap mechanism chasing a pipedream sets the rest of the process back by an order of magnitude. Expect the Grizzlies to get in on at least one more deal before February 5, but to take on no long-term money.

The next priority is finding the right short-term free agents and mid-level exceptions to get through next year’s rough patches. Memphis cannot tie up too much bad money past 2028. Think Rui Hachimura and Kenrich Williams more than James Harden or Lu Dort. Assuming Kentavious Caldwell-Pope uses a player option to opt out of Grind City, the front office will have about $138 million on the books. Perhaps soon-to-be free agents Anfernee Simons (27), Coby White (26), Quentin Grimes (26), Collin Sexton (27), or John Collins (28) would be worth a longer investment.

And this still may not lead to the second round. That’s a tough pivot for the FedEx Forum’s most loyal fans to stomach, given that the Grizzlies were sitting in second place last February. It’s the pivot the team has to sell, though, because cheaping out now only prolongs the pain.

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It is safe to say that the Kentucky product is safe from being traded. Not only does Gilgeous-Alexander’s production and talent level speak for itself, but the Thunder aren’t in a position where they’d even have to consider trading him. The Thunder clearly have a championship core, but they are loaded with young prospects and future first-round picks, too. They can keep surrounding their MVP with players on rookie contracts, and they can be major buyers who can trade their premium draft capital whenever they so desire.

Sam Presti is clearly one of the greatest general managers ever, and if he were to ever consider a Gilgeous-Alexander trade, fans would have to assume that he knew what he was doing. Here are three unrealistic trades involving Gilgeous-Alexander that won’t happen, because he is truly untradeable, but trades that are fun to think about nonetheless.

Charlotte Hornets

Hornets receive: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Thunder receive: LaMelo Ball, four first-round picks

Gilgeous-Alexander is 6-foot-6, qualifying him as a jumbo guard. He can get downhill and score at the rim at an elite level, and his ability to draw contact is unmatched. Gilgeous-Alexander even has an elite mid-range shot and tons of point-of-attack defense. LaMelo Ball would be a downgrade for the Thunder in comparison to Gilgeous-Alexander, but the team wouldn’t have to change up how they conduct business too much if the two swapped places.

Ball is similarly tall for the lead guard spot. The 6-foot-7 playmaker finds creative ways to get his teammates involved, and he can do plenty of scoring in his own right. Even so, Ball has found his name in trade rumors ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. The Charlotte Hornets are looking to become a winning team, so they’d love to get their hands on the reigning NBA Finals MVP.

The Thunder, meanwhile, would have to see the value behind swapping Gilgeous-Alexander for Ball if it meant adding four more future first-round picks. The Thunder wouldn’t do this, but they built their team off trading proven stars for young players with potential and a surplus of picks.

Brooklyn Nets

Nets receive: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Thunder receive: Michael Porter Jr., Ben Saraf, four first-round picks

The Brooklyn Nets have stockpiled draft picks, and they appear to be ready to make a big move. That is why the team has already been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo. A trade for Gilgeous-Alexander would be even better, though. Based off their 2025 NBA Draft results, where three of their five first-round picks were used on downhill playmaking guards, it is clear that the Nets have a style of play that they want to implement going forward.

Nobody fits that style better than Gilgeous-Alexander. This trade would cost the Nets a lot. Four first-round picks, one of the aforementioned rookies, and a new and improved Michael Porter Jr. is quite the pretty penny to give up in a trade. It would be more than worth it for the Nets, though.

They need a leader who can show the young guys how to win. Porter has found success in Brooklyn because he has been given the ultimate green light. There is no telling the kind of numbers the MVP could put up with similar freedom. Again, there is no chance the Thunder would do this trade. They have enough picks as is, and although they will continue to make moves on the margins to add to their collection of picks, there is just no way they’d give up their best player at this point in time.

Memphis Grizzlies

Grizzlies receive: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Thunder receive: Ja Morant, Zach Edey, five first-round picks

Gilgeous-Alexander is clearly one of the faces of the NBA. It wasn’t long ago that Ja Morant was viewed in a similar light. Suspensions, injuries, and regressing play have resulted in Morant falling from grace and becoming a trade candidate of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Even so, the former All-Star is just 26 years old and could return to form as one of the best young stars in the NBA after a change of scenery. The Grizzlies also have draft picks to spare after picking up four first-rounders in their trade of Desmond Bane. The team just sent Jaren Jackson Jr. away for even more capital, too. Plus, Zach Edey’s size and interior dominance has to be intriguing for anybody.

Again, the Thunder wouldn’t actually do this trade. This is a massive offer, but there are too many uncertainties with the Grizzlies trade package. Morant might not have a winning style of play and may continue to struggle with off-the-court decisions, Edey has already had injury issues, which is worrisome for a player of his size, and draft picks don’t always pan out. Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP, so he isn’t going anywhere.

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In the trade with the Jazz, the Grizzlies suddenly find themselves armed with a trade exception they can use to acquire Jakob Poeltl from the Raptors. The Raptors would then presumably ramp up their pursuit of Domantas Sabonis in the days leading up to the trade deadline. Toronto’s interest in Sabonis has been well-documented to this point.

However, a straight deal between the Raptors and Kings wouldn’t happen as the Kings do not have interest in taking back Poeltl. That’s where the Grizzlies would come into play.

Poeltl has been sidelined as of late as he continues to deal with persistent back issues. The latest update had no definitive timetable for his return to the court. Poeltl has not played for the Raptors since Dec. 21. The No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Poeltl is a strong option at center when healthy.

He’s been limited to only 21 games so far this season, at a little over 25 minutes per game. He was averaging 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists with splits of 69.3 percent shooting from the field and 59.6 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Sabonis would provide the Raptors with an immediate upgrade, however. Sabonis had been dealing with his own injury issues, but recently made his return from a knee injury. He had missed 27 games before rejoining the Kings’ lineup.

He’s appeared in only 18 games, at just about 30 minutes per game. He’s been averaging 15.4 points, 11.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists with splits of 54.2 percent shooting from the field and 71.2 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

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Fans have a right to be disappointed given this core’s potential. Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Ja Morant were sitting in second place last February. Now they all reside in different time zones.

Those picks are not exactly inspiring returns. None seems bound to land in the lottery after all. No offense to any of the players coming back, but it’s hard to see Clayton Jr., Anderson, Hendricks, or Niang moving the needle soon. They definitely will not sell as many tickets. This deal is a B- or C+ at best.

To contextualize the return, it’s worth comparing it to historical trades of star big men. The LA Clippers traded Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons just months after agreeing to a contract extension. In exchange, the Clippers received Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, a protected first-round pick (which later became Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), and a second-rounder.

Where the deal truly underwhelms is in comparison to the 2022 Rudy Gobert trade, which set a modern standard for superstar big-man hauls. The Utah Jazz shipped Gobert (a three-time Defensive Player of the Year) to the Minnesota Timberwolves and received a staggering package. Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Jarred Vanderbilt, Walker Kessler (the No. 22 pick in 2022), plus four unprotected first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, 2029) and a 2026 pick swap turned heads.

It was a Godfather offer impossible to deny. It’s also the most damning lens through which to view the Jackson Jr. return. It established a market ceiling for elite defensive centers. Now, the Jazz have essentially executed a Defensive Player of the Year swap, replacing Gobert with Jackson Jr., another DPOY winner who offers more offensive versatility and is five years younger.

From a pure asset-management standpoint, the decision to move Jaren Jackson Jr. lands somewhere in the uncomfortable middle of the NBA trade-value spectrum. It’s not a disaster. It’s not a heist, but it hurts too much to be an A-level move. Especially since it all but acknowledges that Ja Morant will not be balling on Beale Street for much longer.

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The full trade details are as follows, per Brett Siegel.

Grizzlies:

G Walter Clayton

Jr. F Taylor Hendricks

F Kyle Anderson

F Georges Niang

2027 MIN/CLE/UTA 1st round pick (more favorable)

2027 LAL 1st round pick

PHX 2031 1st round pick

Jazz:

F Jaren Jackson Jr.

G/F John Konchar

C Jock Landale

F Vince Williams Jr.

Let’s take a look at how the two sides fared in the deal.

Grizzlies’ trade grade

Jackson Jr. is now the second member of the Grizzlies’ once-young core to be moved in the last year, as Desmond Bane was sent to the Orlando Magic in exchange for four first-round picks over the offseason.

Charania also noted that “The Grizzlies have also created a massive $28.8 million trade exception in this deal — the largest ever in the NBA,” citing a report from Bobby Marks.

The Grizzlies now have a whopping 13 first-round picks over the next seven NBA drafts, which is tied for the most in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets, per Marks.

This being the case, it seems that the Grizzlies are all-in on starting over and rebuilding, and they’ve done a great job of acquiring significant future assets in doing so. Clayton Jr. is also an intriguing young player who recently played a major role in the Florida Gators’ run to the national title.

While it remains to be seen what will happen now with Ja Morant, the Grizzlies have done a great job of picking out a clear direction and giving themselves future flexibility.

Grade: A

Jazz’s trade grade

It’s hard to know exactly what Danny Ainge was thinking when he made this trade with the Grizzlies.

Jackson Jr. will certainly help the Jazz a lot in the short term, especially on the defensive end of the floor, where he is regarded as one of the best in the NBA. The tandem of him and Lauri Markkanen figures to go along well with the current trend of positionless basketball, and the Jazz didn’t have to part with any significant pieces from their current team in the process.

Still, first-round picks are an extremely valuable commodity in the NBA, and to part ways with three of them for a player in Jackson Jr., who is likely not going to get much better than he is now is quite baffling. Of course, it helps that the picks aren’t their own, and the team is hoping that they can turn into a formidable team in the wake of this trade, but they do have the unfortunate designation of playing in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Overall, this trade could end up backfiring significantly for Utah if things don’t go according to plan.

Grade: C

The post Jaren Jackson Jr. trade grades for Jazz, Grizzlies appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jackson Jr.’s comments after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves now seem ominous.

“I mean, you’ve got to be a pro about it. If you’re not, then, I mean, there is no if you’re not,” Jackson Jr. stressed. “You have to be a pro every day. Come in to work, do what you are asked, and be ready to play. At the end of the day, being out there on the court is the most fun part of all this. So, get your mind right for that, and let everything play out.”

As for the conversations with under fire owner Robert Pera and Kleiman’s front office? Well, Jackson Jr. was keeping the lines open.

“I talk to them all the time,” Jackson replied. “I probably won’t tell you all that, but that’s the whole point of us talking with y’all (the media) ain’t around so.”

Those talks eventually led to the Rockies. It’ll be a rough road for EVP/GM Zach Kleiman’s Grizzlies as they now pivot to the Ja Morant market. Trading Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks is a clear signal that the rebuild has started.

Jaren Jackson Jr. in a Jazz uniform is hard to picture. However, his last words in the Memphis locker room were hard to ignore. It seems the former Defensive Player of the Year really was ready for some fresh air.

The post Why Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. were talking ‘all the time’ before bombshell trade to Jazz appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Grizzlies are trading Jackson, John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. to the Jazz in exchange for rookie guard Walter Clayton Jr., former first-round pick Taylor Hendricks, and veteran forwards Kyle Anderson and Georges Niang.

The details of this trade were first reported by ESPN.

Three first-round picks are also being traded from Utah to Memphis. The Jazz are surrendering two first-round picks in 2027 and a pick in 2031. Upon this trade being finalized, the Grizzlies will have 13 first-round picks over the next seven years, tied for the most with the Brooklyn Nets and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

One of the draft picks in 2027 will come by way of the Los Angeles Lakers, while the other will be the most favorable of Utah’s, Minnesota’s, and Cleveland’s picks. The draft pick going from the Jazz to the Grizzlies in 2031 is by way of the Phoenix Suns, an unprotected pick Utah acquired from Phoenix before the trade deadline last season.

Jackson, 26, had become a key topic of discussion throughout NBA circles in the month leading up to the trade deadline, especially with the Grizzlies taking a step back in the Western Conference playoff picture. Amid ongoing conversations about All-Star Ja Morant’s immediate future with the franchise, multiple teams began calling Memphis about Jackson’s status with the organization.

The Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and the Atlanta Hawks were among several teams that had reached out to the Grizzlies, along with the Jazz, to inquire about Jackson leading up to the deadline, league sources told ClutchPoints.

In an effort to cut their long-term costs and continue stockpiling draft picks, the Grizzlies made this trade with the Jazz on Tuesday afternoon. Now, all eyes are on Memphis and their potential decision with Morant before Thursday’s trade deadline.

The Jazz, who rank last in the league in defensive efficiency this season, immediately improve with the addition of Jackson, a three-time All-Defensive frontcourt talent and the 2022-23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Jackson joins Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey to form an intriguing core highlighted by their length and rim-protecting abilities. Despite Kesser being a restricted free agent this upcoming offseason, the Jazz are prepared to keep him with a new long-term contract, sources said.

Utah’s newest addition will make $50.5 million during the 2026-27 season, and Jackson still has $156 million on his deal through the 2029-30 season. The final year of his contract contains a player option for $53.5 million.

Currently 15-35 this season, the Jazz will be in the NBA Draft Lottery once again and have a chance to expand on their long-term potential with another high draft pick.

In 45 games this season, Jackson has averaged 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 35.9 percent from 3-point range. He is heavily regarded as one of the league’s best 3-and-D frontcourt talents.

The post Grizzlies trade Jaren Jackson Jr. to Jazz in stunning blockbuster appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Chris Finch talked after the game about the Wolves' defensive issues and issues with competitiveness tonight.

When asked how to draw that out of the team, Finch said…

"Ask them. It's on them. They gotta come and put the work in. It can't be a sometimes thing." pic.twitter.com/rUaQOIdjwL

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 3, 2026

Around the league, chaos already swirls with Giannis and James Harden trade talk dominating headlines. In Memphis, the Timberwolves created their own storm. The Grizzlies snapped a six-game losing streak, led wire to wire, and stretched their lead to 20 early in the fourth quarter behind dominance on the glass.

In a video posted by Dane Moore, Chris Finch pointed straight at effort and discipline. “It’s just defensively just what were the yeah, I mean we struggled with all the movement the closeout contained in the first half in particular,” he said. “And then the second half… you know, there’s a lot of foul. Especially when we tighten the game up we gave them eight straight free throws.” When asked about competitiveness, the Timberwolves coach did not soften the blow. “At times. Yeah, sure… Ask them. It’s on them. They got to come in and put the work on them. It can’t be a sometimes thing.”

A warning sign for the Timberwolves

The loss dropped Minnesota to 31-20, sixth in the West, with only four wins in its last 10 games. Memphis, now 19-29 and 11th in the conference, looked hungrier. The Timberwolves had points. They lacked resistance. Each Grizzlies run hit harder.

The game came during a week when Giannis and Harden ruled trade rumors and tilted the league. The Timberwolves surfaced as a dark-horse option in Giannis Antetokounmpo talks if Jaden McDaniels became available. James Harden floated the Timberwolves as a potential landing spot, fueling the buzz. Yet with the deadline approaching, the Timberwolves have turned their attention elsewhere. Finch’s message cut through it. Stars mean little without effort. Talent fades without urgency.

Minnesota still has firepower and promise, led by Anthony Edwards’ star power. Yet nights like this expose cracks that numbers cannot hide. Under pressure, the work must show. Now the question feels simple and heavy: will this loss spark a response, or deepen the slide?

The post Timberwolves’ Chris Finch puts his players on blast after ugly loss to Grizzlies appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jackson Jr.’s performance against the Timberwolves was undeniably impressive. The former Defensive Player of the Year led all scorers with 30 points while pulling down six rebounds, second-most on the team. It marked the fourth time in the past six games that he has paced the Grizzlies in scoring, a stretch during which the team has been without both Ja Morant and Zach Edey. But statistical dominance from one player, no matter how talented, cannot mask fundamental team deficiencies.

The rebounding numbers tell a stark story. Over the past two weeks, Jackson has hauled in between 9-12 rebounds in multiple contests, yet the Grizzlies still found ways to lose those games. The uncomfortable truth is that Memphis cannot expect its All-Star forward to clean the glass on every missed shot while simultaneously shouldering the offensive burden. That’s an unrealistic and unsustainable formula, particularly with five of the next six games coming on the road.

Iisalo acknowledges Jackson’s multifaceted contributions while carefully avoiding the trap of relying on him as a cure-all solution.

“I mean, Jaren helps with everything. It definitely helps with execution, but it’s not just the execution; it’s also what we call a menu that we have on the offensive end and the defensive end,” Iisalo explained. “Things we can go to. Now having (Ty Jerome) back, having that connection, having a few guys who were playing really well offensively, and then having Jaren’s package on top of that really helps us.”

The coach’s emphasis on the “menu” concept is revealing. Winning basketball requires diversity in options, multiple players capable of executing various actions, and collective responsibility on both ends of the floor. Jackson Jr. provides premium ingredients, but he cannot be the entire meal.

“Defensively, (Jackson Jr.) made some huge plays also, which he always does,” added Iisalo. “So, it’s great to have him back. It gives us also a little bit more size, and we’re able to do a better job rebounding-wise.”

With the last NBA Play-In Tournament spot slipping further from reach and a challenging road-heavy stretch ahead, Iisalo is facing an uphill battle. Jackson Jr. can be the catalyst for a turnaround, but he cannot be expected to fix everything. The sooner the Grizzlies embrace that reality and rally around him with consistent contributions from the entire roster, the better their chances of salvaging this season.

Jaren Jackson Jr. can tilt games. He can erase mistakes at the rim, stretch defenses with his shooting gravity, and carry a scoring load when the Grizzlies are short-handed. But Tuomas Iisalo has been clear about the limits of even an All-Defensive anchor and primary scorer. Memphis can’t outsource its season to one player and expect him to fix “everything.”

The post Why Tuomas Iisalo’s Grizzlies cannot expect Jaren Jackson Jr. to fix ‘everything’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Iisalo said running with Williams Jr. on Randle was something the Grizzlies had to do given the circumstances.

“Yeah, Vince is a real Swiss Army knife for us,” Iisalo smiled. “He started the other day exactly because of this, because we felt like he was a very good Randle matchup. The toughness that he plays with and his length, he can really bother players up and down the lineup. So basically from one to four, and this wasn’t the first game where he’s done a great job with that. We definitely need it.”

Williams Jr., logging 23 minutes, spent the bulk of his time shadowing Randle, using his length and relentless toughness to disrupt the Timberwolves’ offensive rhythm. The results were telling. Randle, who finished with 19 points on an efficient 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, struggled mightily from the field, going just 5-for-14 overall and a dismal 1-for-6 from beyond the arc.

More than once, Randle’s frustration boiled over, his feathers visibly ruffled by pesky defense that denied easy looks and forced contested shots. Williams Jr. wasn’t just a defensive stopper; he contributed on both ends of the floor.

The 25-year-old wing tallied 16 points of his own, including an impressive 4-for-6 from three-point range, while dishing out five assists, nabbing two steals, and grabbing one rebound. Williams Jr.’s all-around performance embodied the multi-tool versatility that Iisalo has come to rely on, allowing the banged-up Grizzlies to adapt on the fly.

Unfortunately, five of the next six games are on the road. It’ll be reminiscent of that dreaded Euro Trip. Still, as the Grizzlies look ahead, Vince Williams Jr.’s emergence as this “Swiss Army knife” adds a layer of unpredictability to their arsenal. In a league where adaptability reigns supreme, Tuomas Iisalo’s faith in his young defender might be the edge Memphis needs to climb back into contention.

The post How Grizzlies used new ‘Swiss Army knife’ to cut down Julius Randle, Timberwolves appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In hindsight, that trip took more of a toll than expected when looking at recovery time.

“I think it’s a longer process than just the last game. The past few weeks have been very, very physically taxing with the travel and the game schedule,” Iisalo admitted. “And also emotionally, like when we were in Europe, there was extra stuff going on around. I know that was a lot.”

Iisalo acknowledged that the compression of games forced difficult choices in how the coaching staff managed practice time versus recovery. The Ja Morant’s Grizzlies were often stuck in survival mode, prioritizing rest over development as the calendar tightened.

“At the same time you we kind of try to balance the load between practicing and making sure that guys are recovered for the games,” noted Iisalo. “We had to make some compromises, and now we’ve for the past maybe week or so, been able to again start to practice.”

That return to more normal practice rhythms is as meaningful as any single win. Iisalo needs to scratch and claw for the last NBA Play-In Tournament spot over the final three dozen games after all. The Grizzlies are no longer afforded the luxury of moral victories; incremental progress must translate into tangible results in the standings.

“The guys’ commitment has been great, but it never happens right away,” Iisalo stated. “There’s been some positive developments. If you saw how the guys, for example, work today in the shootaround and how they’re going about their craft, it’s pretty impressive. I’m very happy for them (after the win over the Timberwolves).”

That buy-in has been the staff’s north star during the downturn. Iisalo has emphasized process over panic, trusting that improved habits would eventually surface in the win column. The Timberwolves result didn’t fix everything, but it validated the approach. The question now is whether this win marks a true turning point or just a temporary respite from a season that has been defined by adversity.

The post Tuomas Iisalo’s Grizzlies shade Euro Trip after snapping six-game losing streak appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Now the 21-year-old is the first up when Tuomas Iisalo needs a stop.

“Defensively, (Jackson) has taken on some of the toughest matchups in the league and held his own,” Iisalo noted. “Clearly making strides, and I think that’s also a source of pride for him. It’s great to also see from him that he is not content with where we are as a team or where he is as a player. He wants to improve. That’s ultimately what you want from your young guys and really from everybody.”

Jackson’s personality has always been one of his defining characteristics. His energy and expressiveness are undeniable, but channeling those qualities productively has been key to his development. According to Iisalo, the young forward has made significant strides in harnessing his natural exuberance.

“I think (Jackson) has made tremendous strides,” stressed Iisalo. “I just mentioned to him after that (first Minnesota Timberwolves) game that I’m very proud of him. Just about his whole approach. GG, if you know him a little bit, he’s a very animated, very extroverted person. And like, that’s a great quality to have as long as it doesn’t let’s say derail his focus in the game.”

This animated nature, once a potential distraction, is now being harnessed positively. Iisalo noted how Jackson’s refined approach is influencing teammates and elevating the Grizzlies’ play.

“I think (Jackson) has had a lot less extra in these games,” Iisalo admitted. “Body language-wise, he’s very focused. He does all the things we talked about in terms of ‘can’ but he does what the game calls for him. He is doing a great job driving, shooting, closeouts, and in transition. The finishing is much more assertive. If he gets a step on a guy, he keeps him on his shoulder and is then able to finish.”

For the Grizzlies, Jackson’s evolution represents more than just one player’s improvement. It’s a blueprint for how the organization develops young talent, allowing them to maintain their personalities while refining their skills and basketball IQ. Iisalo’s approach of celebrating Jackson’s extroverted nature while helping him channel it productively has created an environment where the young forward can thrive.

By empowering GG Jackson, Iisalo is fostering a culture of growth and accountability. It’s also giving the Grizzlies their best chance to win. Memphis has many faults, sure, but sticking with this investment is worth the risk.

The post Why Grizzlies are allowing ‘assertive, animated’ GG Jackson to take toughest matchups appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Coward is averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists through 44 games, but has seen an uptick in efficient production lately. Iisalo acknowledged that the rookie is facing multiple challenges, fighting battles on multiple fronts in many ways, both on the court and in the training room. Yet he is still producing 14 points on 40% three-point shooting in the last 10 games.

“I mean, it’s not just a mental test or emotional, but also a physical test for (Coward),” Iisalo explained. “He doesn’t have that load, you know, that you have from previous years or even from the summer. So, he’s had to play catch-up the whole season, and we saw some early signs of that with the stress reaction in his foot.”

However, even though stress and stats are up, low-impact, high-information minutes cannot be spared. Coward’s bumps and bruises are starting to accumulate a bit too quickly for anyone to be too comfortable. There will be a certain level of baked-in caution moving forward.

“There’s been some other stuff, but (Coward) has done a great job. Our medical staff has done a great job too, and we like it. I try to rein myself in to keep the minutes to an acceptable amount so that he can also keep practicing at the same time,” Iisalo noted. “Because it’s one thing to play heavy minutes in the games, but if those minutes come out of the practice reps, that’s also not good for a player that clearly needs to get better to reach the highest levels.”

Coward’s journey to the NBA was unconventional, starting in Division III at Willamette University before transferring to Eastern Washington and then Washington State, where a shoulder injury limited him to just six games in his final college season. This abbreviated preparation meant he entered the league without the typical summer league buildup or extended preseason reps, forcing him to play catch-up from day one.

An ankle sprain suffered against the Los Angeles Lakers, when he landed awkwardly on DeAndre Ayton’s foot, caused him to miss several games. Coward is dealing with the aftereffects of a stress reaction in his foot, sidelining him briefly and leading to a minute restriction upon return. Still, as the Grizzlies push through the second half of the season, Grind City worthy resilience will be key.

With Iisalo’s Grizzlies clinging to slim NBA Play-In Tournament aspirations, easing Cedric Coward around this wall could turn a potential stumbling block of a season into a stepping stone for the 22-year-old’s promising career.

The post How Grizzlies are easing Cedric Coward around NBA’s rookie wall appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While the Grizzlies lost a sixth consecutive game, Jerome provided a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak campaign. In just 20 minutes of action on a strict minutes restriction, Iisalo saw the light.

“Pretty impressive stat line, 20 points in 20 minutes, six assists. (Ty Jerome) did all the things that we expected him to do for us this season. Create out of the pick and roll, also be a threat off the ball and opening up space for other guys,” Iisalo noted. “Especially against this kind of team that plays in a lot of these, call them conservative coverages where the big is back, and you need the handler and the screener to have enough creation that they don’t need to rely on team reactions, but they create a two-on-one situation, they create good enough looks. And Ty is definitely that guy, and he’s been that guy throughout his career.”

Those “conservative coverages” have been a recurring problem for the Grizzlies. Opponents have sagged their bigs, daring the Grizzlies to beat them with precision rather than pace. Jerome’s comfort manipulating the pick-and-roll, snaking dribbles, dragging defenders into no-man’s land, then finding the screener or weak-side shooter, can manufacture efficient shots without the offense having to grind through multiple actions. When defenses tilt toward him, the spacing he creates has unlocked cleaner looks for shooters and dump-offs for rollers.

However, the reality, of course, is that one player, especially a guard coming off a three-month injury absence on a minutes restriction, cannot single-handedly rescue a season spiraling toward disaster. The Grizzlies are 18-29 with the NBA Trade Deadline looming and a difficult schedule ahead. Even if Jerome stays healthy and returns to his Cleveland form, significant questions remain about Ja Morant’s future with the franchise, Zach Edey’s availability, and whether Iisalo’s coaching style can succeed in the NBA.

As the All-Star break approaches, all eyes are on Jerome. In a league where superstars dominate headlines, it’s the unsung contributors like him who often write the redemption stories. For Tuomas Iisalo’s Grizzlies, Ty Jerome could be a season-saving lifeline.

The post Why Tuomas Iisalo’s Grizzlies need Ty Jerome to jumpstart season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Anthony Edwards injury status vs. Grizzlies

Anthony Edwards is dealing with back spasms, while Julius Randle has a sore left thumb. Edwards’ 33 points led his team to a 131-114 win against the Grizzlies on Saturday, as his status for Monday’s matchup remains anyone’s guess. Randle added 27 points on 11-for-17 shooting, including 4-for-5 from deep, seven assists, and seven rebounds in Saturday’s 17-point win.

Edwards’ commitment to defense helped force 18 Grizzlies turnovers, keeping them at bay as the Timberwolves cruised to a double-digit victory. Edwards was announced by the NBA as one of the Western Conference All-Star reserves. Anthony has reached his fourth All-Star Game in six years.

He’s averaging career-bests in points (29.4), field-goal percentage (49.5%), 3-point shooting percentage (40.9%), and blocks (0.8). Randle is also averaging a career-best in a couple of statistical categories, including free-throw percentage (81.9%) and steals (1.2), while posting 22.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game this season.

He recorded a season-high 39 points in a 110-105 loss against the Rockets on January 16. The Timberwolves are on a four-game winning streak. As for whether Anthony Edwards is playing tonight vs. the Grizzlies, the answer is maybe.

Timberwolves injury report

Anthony Edwards — Questionable — Back spasms

Julius Randle — Questionable — Left thumb soreness

Terrence Shannon Jr. — Out — Left foot abductor hallucis strain

Grizzlies injury report

Santi Aldama — Out — Right knee injury management

Brandon Clarke — Out — Right calf sprain

Zach Edey — Out — Left ankle stress reaction

Jaren Jackson Jr. — Questionable — Left quad contusion

John Konchar — Out — Anterior triangle contusion

Ja Morant — Out — Left elbow UCL sprain

Scotty Pippen Jr. — Out — Left great toe; surgery recovery

The post Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaren Jackson Jr. on injury report for Timberwolves-Grizzlies appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Transition and turbulence

The 2025-26 campaign has been anything but smooth in Memphis. Sitting at 18-29 and 12th in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies have struggled to establish consistency under new head coach Tuomas Iisalo. The team committed to a faster, more egalitarian pace-and-space system. It promised ball movement, spacing, and collective decision-making.

There were early flashes that hinted at potential. Zach Edey delivered a jaw-dropping 32-point, 17-rebound outing in November. That briefly stabilized a frontcourt in flux. However, those moments proved fleeting. Defensive slippage pushed Memphis into the bottom half of the league. By late January, a six-game losing streak underscored just how fragile the rotation had become.

Uncertainty around Ja Morant

Injuries have once again shaped the Grizzlies’ narrative. None have been more consequential than those affecting Ja Morant. Limited to just 20 appearances, Morant is currently sidelined with a left elbow UCL sprain and isn’t expected back until late February. His absence has amplified ongoing questions about his fit within Iisalo’s system. This has turned philosophical concerns into front-page drama.

The frontcourt has been similarly ravaged. Edey is out until March with an ankle stress reaction. Meanwhile, Brandon Clarke’s calf strain has removed yet another stabilizing presence. Through it all, Jaren Jackson Jr has emerged as the lone constant. He leads the team with 19.0 points per game and anchors the defense under immense strain. Yet even his steady play hasn’t been enough to mask the sense that this roster is caught between eras.

Grizzlies trade rumors

As the deadline nears, Memphis has become one of the league’s most active listening posts. League insiders report that the Grizzlies are officially entertaining offers for Morant. The Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and New Orleans Pelicans have emerged as the most aggressive suitors.

Milwaukee’s interest could center on a package involving Most Improved Player candidate Ryan Rollins and long-dated first-round capital. Miami, long viewed as Morant’s preferred destination, has explored scenarios built around expiring salary and secondary assets. Beyond the headline blockbuster, Memphis is also gauging the market for Jock Landale. They flip veteran contracts into younger, system-friendly pieces that align with Iisalo’s long-term vision.

The dream scenario: Turning chaos into clarity

The Grizzlies aren’t operating from desperation. They are operating from leverage built quietly over time.

The injury bug: Morant, Edey, and Clarke are all sidelined, limiting short-term competitiveness.

System friction: Reports suggest Morant has struggled to fully buy into Iisalo’s ball-movement-heavy offense, fueling November tensions and league-wide speculation.

The asset chest: Memphis still owns a powerful cache of picks from the Desmond Bane trade, including Orlando’s 2026 first and swap rights.

In short, the Grizzlies have the flexibility to make a bold move without burning the future.

The blockbuster deal: Ja Morant to Milwaukee

If the relationship is truly unsalvageable, the dream outcome is a decisive pivot. Memphis can send Morant to the Bucks in exchange for Rollins and premium future draft capital. These can be headlined by Milwaukee’s unprotected 2031 first-round pick.

This isn’t about “giving up” on a superstar. It’s about retooling with intention.

Why this move works for Memphis

1. The Iisalo system fit

Morant is a generational athlete, but his ball-dominant style clashes with Iisalo’s motion-heavy principles. Rollins, by contrast, has thrived as a connector-averaging 5.4 assists. He has shot near 40% from three and can generate havoc defensively with 1.6 steals per game.

He doesn’t need the ball to impact the game. That’s critical for a roster built to empower Jackson and eventually reintegrate a healthy Edey as an interior hub.

2. The MIP value peak

Rollins has skyrocketed from a 6.2-point scorer to a 16.3-point-per-game engine. This has placed him firmly in the Most Improved Player conversation. Crucially, he’s doing it on a bargain salary.

Swapping Morant’s $39.4 million cap hit for a near-All-Star contributor earning roughly $4 million restores Memphis’ financial flexibility. That’s an underrated advantage for a small-market team navigating future extensions.

3. The ultimate insurance asset

The crown jewel is the 2031 unprotected Milwaukee first. By then, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be 36. If Milwaukee’s all-in gamble falters, that pick could land in the top tier of the draft.

Paired with the Orlando assets from the Bane trade, Memphis would control one of the league’s most intimidating draft cupboards. That could give them the option to retool organically or swing for the next disgruntled star who actually fits the system.

Reset done right

The Grizzlies’ dream deadline scenario isn’t about winning the press conference. It’s about reclaiming coherence. Trading Ja Morant under the right circumstances, while at peak return value, with long-term vision, could transform a turbulent season into the foundation of a smarter, more sustainable era.

Finding that ideal balance won’t be easy. That said, in a league that punishes hesitation, Memphis’ best move may be the boldest one. They can choose fit, flexibility, and future over forcing a marriage that no longer works.

The post Grizzlies’ dream 2026 NBA trade deadline scenario amid Ja Morant drama appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Here’s everything we know about Ty Jerome’s injury and his playing status vs. the Pelicans.

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Jerome’s status for the Grizzlies doesn’t look good for Friday’s status in New Orleans, as he is listed as “doubtful” for the contest, which comes after being designated as questionable with the calf strain. The game is the first of a back-to-back that continues tomorrow, where the team goes back home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves, which could be part of his missing Friday’s game.

Still, Jerome appears to be close, as discussed last week by head coach Tuomas Iisalo, with The Commercial Appeal noting that the 28-year-old’s return is a week or two away.

“He’s already progressed to 5-on-5 live,” Iisalo said. “So we’re very close. I think the evaluation is somewhere within one or two weeks, something like this. He still needs to build a little bit of load before the actual games. But he’s doing great. He’s progressing really well and in high spirits.”

Jerome would even record a practice session with the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate in the Memphis Hustle, which is a positive sign.

“Jerome got a practice session in with the Hustle on Wednesday before being recalled to the NBA, which is an encouraging sign that he may make his season debut soon,” CBS Sports wrote.

It remains to be seen when he will officially return, but for the question of whether Ty Jerome is playing tonight vs. the Pelicans, the answer is probably not.

UPDATE: The Grizzlies have officially declared Jerome to be out for Friday’s game, putting his return to injury on hold.

Grizzlies injury report

Aldama, Santi OUT Injury/Illness – Right Knee; Injury Management

Clarke, Brandon OUT Injury/Illness – Right Calf; Strain

Edey, Zach OUT Injury/Illness – Left Ankle; Stress Reaction

Jerome, Ty DOUBTFUL Injury/Illness – Right Calf; Strain

Morant, Ja OUT Injury/Illness – Left Elbow; UCL Sprain

Pippen Jr., Scotty OUT Injury/Illness – Left Great Toe; Surgery Recovery

Pelicans injury report

Alexander, Trey OUT G League – Two-Way

Dickinson, Hunter OUT G League – Two-Way

Murray, Dejounte OUT Injury/Illness – Right Achilles; Rupture

The post Ty Jerome’s return from injury put on hold, ruled out for Grizzlies vs. Pelicans appeared first on ClutchPoints.

But as of writing, the Pelicans have stayed pat, perhaps awaiting what the other teams will do, especially with the latest development on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Getting Antetokounmpo will always be the trade scenario that every team dreams of. So for the sake of novelty, the two-time MVP was not considered for this feature.

After all, the Pelicans have plenty of other targets who could perfectly fit their intriguing roster.

New Orleans Pelicans’ Perfect Trade Deadline Scenario

First of all, let’s get the harshness out of the way: Williamson was a failure for the Pelicans. Many deemed him the team’s savior after being drafted as the top overall pick in 2019. He, however, has stayed longer in the hospital than on the court.

While it is always sad to see a player get constantly injured, the return on investment with Williamson has been stressful for the Pelicans. Simply put, he needs to go.

The Pelicans could offer Williamson and Dejounte Murray to the Memphis Grizzlies for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. It is a deal centered on swapping franchise players—Williamson and Morant—who both have seemingly overstayed their welcome in their respective cities.

This trade will also further prove that Williamson and Morant, who entered the NBA together, will always be linked together.

The Pelicans have spent years orbiting Williamson’s potential, often without clarity. This trade offers certainty, although Morant has had issues over the last few years. He is also currently sidelined with an elbow injury. Still, a change of scenery will reinvigorate the 26-year-old Morant. Remaining on a small-market team will also provide familiarity for him.

He is a culture-shifting engine, a nightly floor-raiser who can elevate the Pelicans and electrify the fans. He can unlock a pace-and-space attack that better suits the Pelicans’ supporting cast.

Jackson, meanwhile, will instantly upgrade the Pelicans’ frontcourt. His defensive ability will pair well with the offensive acumen of Derik Queen. Jackson also provides another two-way threat for New Orleans aside from Murphy. He can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and switch across lineups.

The Pelicans might not want a deal that only nets them Morant, given his problems. The 26-year-old Jackson, a consistent contributor, is the insurance.

A starting five of Queen, Jackson, Murphy, Jones, and Morant, with Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey coming off the bench, looks formidable.

Letting go of Murray, meanwhile, will give more opportunities for Jeremiah Fears, Bryce McGowens, and Jordan Hawkins. Murray has only played 31 games for the Pelicans due to an Achilles injury.

Zion Williamson Joins Memphis Grizzlies

Like Morant, a change of scenery will be good for the 25-year-old Williamson. An entirely different medical staff might also make him more durable.

He will give the Grizzlies something they have never truly had since the era of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol: A singular interior force. While Jackson has been a solid anchor, he does not really command attention.

When healthy, Williamson is one of the NBA’s most efficient scorers, utilizing his power and heft to dominate inside despite being undersized. He could be the offensive hub, while the Grizzlies keep their defensive identity intact.

The 29-year-old Murray may seem like a throw-in in the deal, but he is an all-around guard with the ability to make an impact on both ends. Do not forget that he is a one-time All-Star.

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Recently, injured Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum appeared on The Pivot podcast to discuss the pressures of playing in Boston, and he used the Grizzlies as an example of NBA ineptitude to get his point across.

“The career I have right now, if I had it with the Grizzlies, I would have a statue outside the arena,” said Tatum, per NBA Courtside on X, formerly Twitter.

While Tatum would certainly be on the short list of most accomplished Grizzlies, he also likely would not have anywhere near the postseason success he currently has if he had been drafted somewhere other than Boston, becoming a rare top-three pick to join a team that had been the number one seed in its conference the previous season.

Grizzlies fans might also have reservations about Tatum’s comments considering his reputation as a playoff dropper, which continued last year with back to back meltdowns in Games 1 and 2 vs the New York Knicks before he suffered a devastating Achilles injury, from which he is still recovering.

Still, the comments only further solidify the Grizzlies’ status as one of the symbols of NBA purgatory, a reputation they had hoped to shake with the dawn of the Morant era a few years ago. However, Morant’s tenure in Memphis appears to be on its last legs, and now, the team is fielding trade offers for their star as the deadline nears on February 5.

In any case, the Grizzlies will next take the court on Wednesday evening for a home game against the suddenly competent Charlotte Hornets.

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In a post shared Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter, Stein dismissed the idea that talks between the two franchises are taking place.

“One source close to the process tells @TheSteinLine that there are no discussions between the Pelicans and the Grizzlies on a potential Ja Morant deal … despite persistent speculation to the contrary,” Stein wrote.

Stein expanded on that reporting in his latest column for The Stein Line, adding further context to Memphis’ position amid widespread league chatter.

“The search for a confirmed Morant suitor thus continues,” Stein wrote. “The Grizzlies still hope to find a trade partner before the Feb. 5 buzzer after so much public discourse surrounding Morant’s availability, but as we’ve been saying: Memphis knows it’ll be a very challenging sell to its fans to just ship Morant out in Trae Young-ish fashion by accepting multiple team-friendly contracts for perhaps the most popular player in franchise history.”

Young was traded earlier this month to the Washington Wizards in a deal centered around CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, a return Stein cited as a cautionary comparison rather than a template Memphis is eager to follow.

Stein added that the Grizzlies’ asking price remains significant.

“The Grizzlies are said to be angling for at least one future first-round pick in a Morant deal,” Stein wrote. “Is that out there for them? You guessed it: The next 10 days will tell us.”

Marc Stein shuts down Pelicans-Ja Morant trade as injury clouds Grizzlies season

While Memphis continues to field inquiries, Stein was emphatic that New Orleans is not among the teams engaging in Morant discussions.

“The Pelicans, meanwhile, are said to be on the active side in terms of taking and making calls — with interest in young center Yves Missi only growing — but the messaging was emphatic: No Morant conversations,” Stein wrote. “Just as New Orleans has repeatedly insisted it intends to hold on to in-demand swingmen Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones.”

The trade speculation comes amid a challenging season for Morant, who has been limited to just 18 games. The 25-year-old is currently sidelined after the Grizzlies recently announced he will miss at least three weeks with a UCL sprain in his left elbow. He sustained the injury during a Jan. 21 home game against the Atlanta Hawks and is expected to be reevaluated in early February.

On the court, Morant has averaged 19.0 points, 7.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds and one steal per game while shooting 40.1 percent from the field. His 20.8 percent shooting from three-point range marks a career low, though he is converting a career-high 90 percent of his free throws. The scoring average is his lowest since the 2020-21 season, reflecting an uneven campaign marked by interruptions and inconsistency.

Memphis enters Wednesday’s slate at 18-26, having dropped three straight games following Monday’s 108-99 loss to the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies sit 12th in the Western Conference standings and will host the Charlotte Hornets (19-28) on Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET as they look to regain traction.

New Orleans, meanwhile, remains at the bottom of the standings at 12-36 despite a recent two-game win streak that includes a 104-95 upset of the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. The Pelicans will conclude their three-game road trip Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder (37-10) at 8:00 p.m. ET.

With the deadline nearing, Morant’s name is expected to remain central in league discourse. For now, Stein’s reporting makes clear that any presumed path to New Orleans exists only in rumor, not reality.

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Morant is currently out with an elbow injury, with him being on the mend for at least three weeks, further complicating trade matters for both him and the Grizzlies. In light of this recent development, Memphis is still looking to trade him away, but not for pennies on the dollar similar to how the Atlanta Hawks received peanuts for Trae Young.

“My sense is that the Grizzlies remain more than open to trade inquiries for Morant … yet also still under pressure to get more in return for Memphis’ runaway most popular player than the two team-friendly contracts (CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert) that Atlanta settled for in the Young trade,” NBA insider Marc Stein wrote.

Morant is younger than Young, although he comes with off-court baggage that is sure to depress his trade value as well. The injury issues and underperformance when he’s been on the court hasn’t helped either.

It would take a lot for the Grizzlies to be able to get what they think they deserve in exchange for Morant, as first and foremost, he has to show that he is healthy and still capable of rising to his superstar levels of yore.

Where do the Grizzlies go from here with Ja Morant?

Stein noted that the Grizzlies have been alienating Morant, from openly shopping him on the trade market to favoring head coach Tuomas Iisalo over him, which means that the relationship between the two sides may be irreconcilable at this point.

One thing’s for sure: Morant’s days with the Grizzlies are numbered. It seems as though it’s likely Memphis finds him a new home, if not now, then come offseason time.

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Both the Nuggets and Grizzlies will have to play each other on a later date that is yet to be announced, per NBA Insider Brett Siegel. NBA Communications announced the postponement decision due to the winter storm surging through the country, with part of it hitting Memphis hard.

“Jan. 25, 2026 – The National Basketball Association game scheduled for today between the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum has been postponed due to inclement weather in the Memphis area. The date for the rescheduled game will be announced at a later time.”

It is not likely the rescheduled game will take place on Monday, considering Memphis is scheduled to play the Houston Rockets on that day. In fact, it could be a while for the Nuggets and Grizzlies to play the rescheduled contest, as their schedules do not coincide with one another for quite some time. Regardless, it’s a situation the league will have to sort out.

The postponement should give Memphis some extra time to prepare for Houston, as the organization aims to snap a two-game losing streak. The Grizzlies have been without Ja Morant due to an elbow injury, and trade rumors continue to circulate around the star point guard.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets are on a two-game winning streak and currently reside in third place in the Western Conference. Denver has played as one of the best teams in the league so far this season. The team hopes that trend continues when they take on the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.

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The Grizzlies confirmed the diagnosis following Morant’s absence in Friday night’s 133-127 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. In a team-issued statement, Memphis detailed the nature and timeline of the injury.

“The Memphis Grizzlies today provided the following medical update for Ja Morant,” the statement read. “Morant sustained a UCL sprain in his left elbow during the team’s home game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 21. He is expected to make a full recovery and will be reevaluated in approximately three weeks. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.”

Morant’s injury represents another setback in a turbulent season for both player and franchise. The 25-year-old guard has been limited to 20 games this season, with injuries and interruptions preventing him from establishing consistent rhythm. Through those appearances, Morant is averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds and a steal per game while shooting 41 percent from the field. His 23.5 percent shooting from three-point range marks a career low, though he is converting a career-high 89.7 percent of his free throws in 28.3 minutes per contest.

Ja Morant’s injury adds uncertainty as trade deadline nears for Grizzlies

The timing of Morant’s injury coincides with increased trade speculation surrounding Memphis as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches. League reports in recent weeks have indicated that rival teams are closely monitoring the Grizzlies’ direction, with Morant’s long-term status a central variable. While Memphis has consistently maintained publicly that Morant remains a cornerstone of the franchise, his health and availability continue to factor into broader league conversations.

Memphis enters Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets at 18-25, sitting 12th in the Western Conference standings. The Grizzlies have dropped two straight games and will face Denver (31-15) at 3:30 p.m. ET as they attempt to stabilize a season marked by inconsistency.

Morant’s absence places additional pressure on Memphis’ remaining backcourt rotation, while also raising questions about how the team navigates the coming weeks. With a reevaluation expected in approximately three weeks, his return timeline could overlap with the immediate post-deadline period, further complicating decision-making for a franchise weighing both short-term competitiveness and long-term clarity.

For now, the Grizzlies will proceed without their All-Star guard, focusing on weathering the injury stretch as outside speculation continues to surround one of the league’s most dynamic players.

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Reports indicate that the 26-year-old point guard is suffering from a left elbow UCL sprain, according to NBA Insider Brett Siegel. It’s another injury issue for Morant, and Memphis will have to rely on the rest of the roster when they take on the Pelicans.

“The Grizzlies say Ja Morant will miss tomorrow night’s game against the Pelicans with a left elbow UCL sprain. More injury concerns for Morant and the Grizzlies before the trade deadline.”

Morant may have sustained the injury in the third quarter of the Grizzlies’ 124-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. He appeared to have hit his elbow on the backboard during a chase-down block. The two-time All-Star remained in the contest for the remainder of the game.

Friday’s game against the Pelicans will be Moran’s 23rd missed game this season. It’s been a struggle for Ja Morant to remain healthy this campaign, as he missed some time with calf and ankle injuries. In the 20 games Morant has played, he is averaging 19.5 points (third-lowest in his career), 3.3 rebounds (career-low), and 8.1 assists (tied career-high) while shooting 41.0% from the field and 23.5% from beyond the three-point line (career-low).

Although it’s been a season to forget, Ja Morant remains hot in the rumor mill. There has been speculation that the Grizzlies want to trade the seven-year pro. However, it’s difficult to gauge what kind of package Memphis could receive in a trade. Especially after seeing the Hawks deal Trae Young away to the Washington Wizards for a rather cheap return.

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