Grizzlies weigh Ja Morant’s future as rebuild accelerates
grizzlies-weigh-ja-morants-future-as-rebuild-accelerates
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — General manager and executive vice president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman declined on Monday to guarantee that two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant will remain with the Memphis Grizzlies, leaving the franchise’s top player in limbo as the club heads into a pivotal offseason.
“Ja has been a pro behind the scenes the last few months,” Kleiman told reporters at the team’s season-ending news conference. “I’m not going to speculate on potential transactions.” His measured comments marked a shift from previous years, when Morant was routinely described as a cornerstone.
The uncertainty follows a 25-57 campaign that came two seasons after Memphis won 48 games. In the interim, the front office dealt Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., signaling a commitment to a full rebuild.
Jerome impresses despite injuries
Reserve guard Ty Jerome, 28, also entered the spotlight. Limited to 15 games by injuries, the free-agent signee averaged 19.7 points and 5.7 assists in just 22.6 minutes, shooting 47.4% from the field, 42.0% from three and 87.5% at the line. Kleiman said Jerome “struck a balance as a scorer and facilitator” and remains in the club’s long-term plans, despite potential trade value.
Assessing the roster and medical approach
Kleiman acknowledged that significant work remains before Memphis can contend again but pointed to a “group of young players” and “as many first-round assets as nearly anyone in the league” as reasons for optimism. He added that the organization will evaluate its medical and performance staff after another injury-plagued season, emphasizing a desire to “put the group in the best possible spot going into the following season.”
Coward’s rookie surge
No. 11 draft pick Cedric Coward provided a bright spot, averaging 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 47.1% shooting across 62 games. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said the wing “has only scratched the surface,” while veteran Taj Gibson likened Coward to a young Jimmy Butler.
Additional offseason questions
ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that swingman Jaylen Wells becomes eligible in July for a four-year extension if Memphis declines his 2027/28 option. Decisions on Wells, Morant and the franchise’s cache of draft picks headline an offseason expected to shape the next phase of the Grizzlies’ rebuild.
Source: Hoops Rumors
