The Memphis Grizzlies were just bounced from the playoffs by the juggernaut Oklahoma City Thunder, leading to speculation about what comes next. The Grizzlies were once thought of as a young team on the rise, one that could eventually develop into champions.
Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, they have quickly regressed despite them getting more and more expensive. With the Grizzlies getting worse and looming financial issues, it's fair to wonder whether we have seen the last of Ja Morant in a Grizzlies uniform.
Has Ja Morant already played his last game with the Memphis Grizzlies?
Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. is coming off a career season and will be eligible for a big pay raise this summer. That would result in a hefty $106 million contract extension.
That could prove costly for Memphis in more ways than one. Jackson Jr. may have been the Grizzlies' best player this season, but they were at their best with Morant as their first option. Morant clearly has the higher ceiling as a player, but he wasn't nearly as good this season, partly due to a style change that took the ball out of his hands.
Morant could bounce back next year, but then that would mean that Memphis will be paying their second-best player, but their leading scorer this season, like a top player. Jackson Jr. isn't one, at least in the traditional sense, and that would create an interesting dynamic.
The Grizzlies may soon have to decide between Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies paying Jackson Jr. approximately $15 million more on average, starting in 2026, would be a mistake. This is because they will also have to pay Morant around $50 million over two of those seasons.
The Grizzlies simply can't afford to pay their two best players a combined $80-plus million a season, and that's not even factoring in Desmond Bane's $35+ million annually. That lends credence to the trade rumors that cropped up recently surrounding Morant, and they should at least examine the idea.
The Grizzlies wouldn't have to make any rash decisions like the Dallas Mavericks did when they traded Luka Dončić. Even so, they haven't had much playoff success with their core, and with teams like OKC and several other up-and-coming teams, they might not contend going forward.
Ultimately, rumors that Morant might be available could resurface after another disappointing season. With the Grizzlies getting more expensive, it might not be that crazy to consider trading him this summer.