Pre-Draft Outlook
An injury-plagued 2025-26 sent the Grizzlies back down in their recent up-and-down cycle, and this valley might stick if trading Ja Morant comes to fruition. Memphis used 33 different players last season, ranking toward the bottom of both offensive and defensive rankings. Only Cam Spencer (72), Jaylen Wells (69) and Cedric Coward (62) participated in more than 55 games. Morant appeared in just 20, which puts his value at a low point, should Memphis move him.
The Way to Go
The first tier of draft elites is four deep, and most mocks pencil in Duke forward Cameron Boozer at No. 3 for the Grizzlies. His fit would be natural alongside center Zach Edey, Wells and Coward, with some NBA pedigree and laudable character traits. At No. 16, Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson could be plugged into Morant’s spot if Memphis deals him — or could play alongside him if he stays. Other backcourt possibilities include Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie and Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz.
— Steve Aschburner
Under Contract
G: Walter Clayton Jr.
G: Cedric Coward
G: Ja Morant
G: Scotty Pippen Jr.
G: Cam Spencer
G/F: Ty Jerome
F: Jaylen Wells
F: Taylor Hendricks
F/C: Santi Aldama
C: Zach Edey
Free agents
G: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
F: GG Jackson II
F: Olivier-Maxence Prosper