The Memphis Grizzlies are heading toward a pivotal offseason, and several notable names could be on their way out. As the front office evaluates what works and what doesn’t, difficult decisions will define the next version of the Grizzlies’ roster. The first domino to fall was trading Jaren Jackson Jr. ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline last month.
Every rebuild or retool requires subtraction as much as addition. While some players are clear building blocks, others find themselves caught in shifting timelines. For the Grizzlies’ roster, this offseason is setting up to mark the end of the road for a few recognizable contributors.
Projecting the Future of the Grizzlies’ Roster: Players Likely Out
Ja Morant
The most complex situation on the Grizzlies’ roster involves Ja Morant. It was reported in January that the team was entertaining trade offers for its franchise star. As the Grizzlies’ most talented player, Morant’s future in Memphis would normally be unquestioned. However, a combination of injuries and availability concerns introduced a pivot for their plans.
Memphis revamped its roster last offseason to align with Morant’s strengths and rectify his weaknesses. However, injuries and other factors altered the team’s trajectory. While Morant’s off-court issues have been mitigated over the last couple of years, his availability and consistency have been lacking.
Regardless, Morant remains on the Grizzlies’ roster with two years remaining on his contract and a perceived low trade value. As a result, there is a chance he remains a Grizzly, but it feels more likely that the front office will pursue a trade this summer.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope represents a different type of decision on the Grizzlies’ roster. As a two-time NBA champion, Caldwell-Pope brings qualities that typically help winning teams. However, similar to Kyle Anderson‘s buyout to sign with Minnesota, KCP will likely want to play for a contender.
Also, with Memphis leaning into youth and long-term development, Caldwell-Pope doesn’t align with their timeline. He has a $21.6 million player option that he is expected to opt into this offseason. If that happens, he becomes an attractive trade candidate due to his expiring deal and experience.
While his presence benefits the locker room’s stability, the Grizzlies may prioritize flexibility and asset accumulation over veteran consistency. That makes Caldwell-Pope a strong candidate to move on as Memphis reshapes its core.
Brandon Clarke
Few players on the Grizzlies’ roster embody the team’s latest era more than Brandon Clarke. Known for his energy, efficiency, and chemistry within their system, Clarke has been a valuable contributor when healthy. However, like Morant, his health hasn’t been consistent over the last three years.
Injuries have limited Clarke’s ability to consistently impact the floor, raising questions about his long-term role. As a player who joined the Grizzlies alongside Morant, it feels likely that he will be heading out soon, too. He has an upcoming expiring contract worth $12.5 million that could make him an intriguing trade piece.
The Last Word
Moving on from talented or respected players always carries risk, but Memphis has made its decision to establish a new core. Reshaping the roster won’t be easy, but Memphis must align talent with its timeline, production with availability, and experience with its long-term vision. As the Grizzlies’ roster continues to evolve, these decisions will ultimately define whether Memphis can successfully transition into its next era.
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