Trading stars signals a new era. Now, Memphis must chart its course through a deep draft for a franchise cornerstone.
When the Memphis Grizzlies traded Jaren Jackson Jr., they made something unmistakably clear: this franchise is turning the page.
This is no longer about squeezing into the middle of the Western Conference. It is about what comes next.
And that almost certainly includes revisiting the future of Ja Morant.
Whether Memphis ultimately moves him or not, the conversation is inevitable. If the organization is truly resetting its timeline, it must evaluate every asset on the roster. Even if that means absorbing short-term discomfort — or accepting less than peak value — ushering in a new era quickly may be the prudent course.
In the meantime, clarity of direction matters.
That clarity should point squarely at the draft.
The upcoming class is widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent memory. At least three prospects are viewed by evaluators as having legitimate superstar ceilings. For a team in transition, that opportunity cannot be ignored.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson sits at the top of most boards. At 6-foot-5 with three-level scoring ability, positional size, advanced shot creation and defensive competitiveness, Peterson projects as a potential franchise centerpiece. Prospects with his blend of skill and physical profile rarely become available without a top lottery selection.
BYU’s AJ Dybantsa is widely projected to follow. The 6-foot-9 wing offers elite shot-creation tools and upside that fits seamlessly into the modern NBA. Questions about shot selection remain part of the evaluation, but his ceiling remains difficult to overlook.
Then there is Duke’s Cameron Boozer. The defensive questions attached to his profile have not stopped scouts from viewing him as a legitimate offensive hub — a player capable of functioning as both primary scorer and facilitator.
The depth does not end there. Caleb Wilson intrigues talent evaluators. Mikel Brown Jr. carries meaningful upside. Even outside the top three, impact players will be available.
But positioning matters.
If Memphis is rebuilding, it cannot afford to prioritize short-term wins over lottery odds. The flattened lottery system discourages outright tanking, yet it does not erase the value of draft position. Every marginal improvement in odds increases the likelihood of landing a franchise-altering player.
So the question becomes simple: what are the Grizzlies winning for right now?
Tanking remains controversial. The league continues to monitor competitive balance. But across the NBA, organizations in similar positions are prioritizing long-term talent acquisition over marginal improvements in the standings.
If Memphis believes its competitive window has closed — even temporarily — then the logical path forward is to maximize its draft positioning. That may require difficult optics. It may frustrate portions of the fan base in the short term.
But rebuilds demand conviction.
If the Grizzlies are truly concerned with the future, they must give themselves the best possible chance to shape it.