If one move takes place in Memphis, don't be surprised if there are more.
That's the message of ESPN's Tim Bontemps in a new article on Friday. All the recent trade speculation has surrounded Ja Morant amid his conflict with the Grizzlies. But a Morant move wouldn't necessarily be the end, writes Bontemps.
If Morant moves, so too might Jaren Jackson Jr.
"The other question sources around the league are asking is whether the Grizzlies, at some point this season, would entertain moving on from Jackson, as well, if they choose to end their partnership with Morant," Bontemps writes. "While there's a clear consensus that there wouldn't be much of a market for Morant, Jackson -- a floor-spacing, rim-protecting big -- would certainly appeal to plenty of clubs, especially given he's now under contract through 2030, and thus even small-market teams could pursue him and know he would be sticking around."
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A rough start to the season for Memphis, along with the draft capital they already acquired for Desmond Bane, likely has the Grizzlies wondering just how well they can do for themselves in a loaded 2026 draft.
If Jackson netted another first-round pick, Memphis would be looking at a major foundational opportunity.
It can be hard to move on from stars. Memphis isn't a big market. Guys aren't flocking there.
The fact that they have Morant and Jackson is a big deal in and of itself.
But they also already signaled a potentially changed approach by dealing Bane over the summer. Given Morant's discontent, a move for him may follow.
And at that point, a Jackson trade wouldn't seem as far-fetched at all.
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