Grizzlies rookie Cameron Boozer addressed Memphis trading Ja Morant, plus a look at the team's draft haul, offseason additions, and Summer League schedule.
The Memphis Grizzlies will enter the 2026-27 season without Ja Morant after trading the franchise star, and newly drafted Cameron Boozer shared his response to the franchise's trade.
Memphis selected Boozer with the No.3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and four days later, the franchise traded Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers. On July 2, Boozer commented on the recent trade.
"Obviously, I didn't know it was going to happen," Boozer said. "Ja is a great player. It's not our decision to make. It's the front office's (decision). I think we got a great young core. I think that's what they're looking to build off of, so I think (the future) is really exciting," he added.
Boozer continued, "Obviously, it sucks to lose a guy as good as Ja, what he's done for the city and the team, but it's part of the business."
Rebuilding the Grizzlies
The Memphis rebuild is fully underway after Morant being traded, but the franchise started rebuilding in the draft. During the 2026 NBA Draft, the Grizzlies held three draft picks.
Memphis drafted Boozer No.3 overall, Karim López No.21, and Richie Saunders at No.32. On June 24, the organization acquired Isaiah Stewart from the Detroit Pistons.
In addition to acquiring Stewart, the team signed Carson Cooper to a two-way contract and recently landed AJ Johnson in a trade.
The Grizzlies will be a young team, but the front office will decide how to carve the direction of the roster.
With Morant in Portland, Boozer will be expected to help lead this franchise in its newest era. Some have labeled him as the most pro-ready player from the draft.
This Summer, Memphis will play in the 2026 Salt Lake City Summer League. The league will feature three games and the franchise will play against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, and Atlanta Hawks.
Summer Leagues
Salt Lake City
July 4: Memphis Grizzlies vs OKC Thunder (2 p.m.)
July 6: Memphis Grizzlies vs Utah Jazz (8 p.m.)
July 7: Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks (6 p.m.)
In addition to the Salt Lake City Summer League, the Grizzlies will be featured in the Las Vegas Summer League, featuring four games and a postseason. Memphis will take on the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and Atlanta Hawks.
Las Vegas
July 10: Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls (7 p.m., Prime)
July 13: Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks (6 p.m., ESPN)
July 14: Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (6 p.m., ESPN)
July 16: Memphis Grizzlies at Atlanta Hawks (7 p.m., Prime)
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