The big Grizzlies move fans have been waiting for might finally happen

ESPN's summer forecast for the NBA's 2025-26 season included a panel survey where Ja Morant received one vote as the next superstar likely to request a trade, and the Memphis Grizzlies were voted as the team most likely to make a major move before the trade deadline.

The Grizzlies, traditionally a team built through the draft and marginal moves, shifted strategy this offseason by trading starting guard Desmond Bane for a package aimed at pursuing bigger acquisitions, raising questions about whether GM Zach Kleiman will make a transformative move to accelerate championship aspirations.

While the Bane trade sparked speculation about a possible rebuild, the Grizzlies countered that narrative by signing Jaren Jackson Jr. to a five-year, $240 million extension and adding Ty Jerome to help fill the scoring void left by Bane's departure.

The trade with Orlando brought Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round picks—an unusually rich return for a non-All-Star—prompting discussion about how Memphis might use these assets to build a championship-level roster. The team struggled to an eighth seed and first-round sweep last season, making Bane’s high salary difficult to justify to fans accustomed to recent success.

After using two of the acquired picks to draft Cedric Coward and waiving Cole Anthony, the Grizzlies retain the Phoenix Suns' 2026 first-round pick, projected to be a high-value lottery selection in a strong draft class.

ESPN's panel ranked the Grizzlies sixth among teams expected to make a significant pre-deadline move, behind several other contenders. Kleiman's bold offseason move has set the stage for a potential major acquisition that could elevate Memphis into championship contention.