Grizzlies Entered Rebuilding Phase After Offseason Trades
Memphis overhauled its roster following a 25-57 season, parting ways with stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Basketball
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The Memphis Grizzlies have committed to a full team rebuild after finishing the 2025-26 season with 57 losses. The organization traded franchise staples Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. to reshape the roster around young talent and veteran acquisitions.
Why it matters
The move signals a strategic shift for the franchise as it pivots away from its previous core to build around newer draft assets. Memphis hopes that integrating seasoned veterans with high-potential prospects will stabilize the team following their playoff absence.
The Grizzlies finished the 2025-26 season with a 25-57 record. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo currently holds a career coaching record of 29-62.
The players
Cameron Boozer
He was selected as the No. 3 overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA draft.
Tuomas Iisalo
He serves as the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies and holds a career coaching record of 29-62.
Ja Morant
The former Grizzlies star was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the team's roster rebuild.
Jerami Grant
The veteran player was acquired by the Grizzlies to provide support for a roster of young players.
Zach Edey
He is a 7-foot-3 center who averaged 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season.
The details
The front office acquired Jerami Grant, Isaiah Stewart, Quentin Post, and Ty Jerome, while selecting Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in the June 2026 draft. The team parted ways with Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, Santi Aldama, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to complete this roster reset.
Timeline
June 2026: The Grizzlies selected Cameron Boozer in the NBA draft.
2025-26 season: The Grizzlies finished with a 25-57 record.
October 21, 2026: The Grizzlies play their season opener against Utah.
Season Trajectory
The Grizzlies are following the established pattern of NBA franchises that prioritize long-term development by clearing veteran contracts to accumulate draft capital. This strategy aims to shift the team's standing within a competitive Western Conference by betting on the growth of young core players.
The trade of Ja Morant and the addition of Cameron Boozer fundamentally reset the team's offensive structure for the upcoming season. Fans should expect a rotation heavily centered on developing newer acquisitions like Boozer, Isaiah Stewart, and Jerami Grant as the team seeks improvement.
The takeaway
The Grizzlies are prioritizing a long-term development strategy over immediate results following a difficult 57-loss season. Readers should monitor early season games to see how new draft picks and veteran acquisitions adjust to the team's updated tactical system.
What happens next
The Memphis Grizzlies will officially open their 2026-27 regular season on October 21, 2026, in a matchup against the Utah Jazz.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Memphis Basketball page.
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