TOUCH DOWN: Elyria today Grizzlies have a tough decision looming with the trade Jaren Jackson Jr. as a follow-up to their stunning Desmond Bane …see more

1. Here’s a full breakdown of the situation unfolding for the Memphis Grizzlies, with some Ezekiel “Touch Down” energy:

🏀 Touch Down: Grizzlies’ Turning Point After Bane Trade

1. The Desmond Bane Blockbuster

On June 15, Memphis sent Desmond Bane to Orlando in exchange for four future first‑round picks, a swap right, and players Kentavious Caldwell‑Pope and Cole Anthony .

The move signals a willingness to reset—even with stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. still on the roster .

2. What It Means for Jaren Jackson Jr.

The sheer volume of draft capital received indicates Memphis is pivoting toward a strategic rebuild, which puts Jackson Jr.’s future in sharp focus .

New York and L.A. have emerged as potential trade destinations, with the Knicks eyeing Jackson Jr. to complement Karl-Anthony Towns .

3. Jackson’s Contract Crossroads

Jackson Jr. can sign a four-year, $345 million) if he earns All-NBA or DPOY honors .

If he misses those honors, he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, raising serious questions about whether Memphis can—or should—commit fully .

4. Front Office Messaging & Team Culture

Taylor Jenkins and GM Zach Kleiman emphasize a strong relationship with Jackson Jr.:

Jenkins described it as “unbelievable”, confident Jackson wants to stay .

Jackson himself said, “Of course. I love this place. This is my home… It’s everything to me.”

Yet his playoff production dipped—just 16 PPG in the first-round sweep—underscoring on-court uncertainty .

5. The Bigger Chessboard

The Grizzlies are at a franchise-altering decision point. Hold onto JJJ’s upside, retool with Morant, or pivot fully into youth and picks?

Some analysts suggest Memphis could shift toward a full rebuild—potentially trading Jackson or Morant. But both remain central to the plan—for now .

🔮 Where Do They Go From Here?

Option Pros Cons

Extend JJJ Keeps cornerstone defender; locks in superstar Huge cap hit; limits flexibility

Trade JJJ Gains assets; aligns with rebuild Loses elite two-way player

Keep Morant + JJJ Maintains star power; builds around youth Injury/off-court risk remains

Supermax anxiety: If Jackson wins DPOY or All-NBA, that supermax becomes almost inevitable—but costly .

Blow-up risk: With Morant’s injuries and capped three-point shooting, the Grizzlies could be forced to make bold moves .

📰 Final Take

Touch Down: Memphis is at their crossroads. The Bane deal shows serious intent to rebuild—but do they stay aggressive and keep Jackson Jr., or pull the plug and trade him while his value is high? Every move this offseason—from extensions to potential blockbuster trades—will redefine the franchise.

Only one thing’s certain: Memphis isn’t just watching the river flow—they’re deciding whether to wade back in or strike out downstrea