Ja Morant Era Ends as Memphis Grizzlies Look to the Future

After the trade deadline, the star player remains, but the team's direction has shifted.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:31pm

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The beginning of the Grizzlies' Ja Morant era was fast and thrilling, both down the floor and up the standings. However, the ending has been a low, slow slog that now continues on, as the team looks to move in a new direction following the trade deadline.

Why it matters

Ja Morant was the face of the Grizzlies franchise and his departure, whether via trade or retirement, signals a major shift in the team's trajectory and the end of an era in Memphis basketball.

The details

Despite Ja Morant remaining on the roster, the Grizzlies have made several moves at the trade deadline that indicate the team is ready to move on from the Morant era and rebuild around a new core of players.

  • The Grizzlies' Ja Morant era began in 2019 when he was drafted 2nd overall.
  • The trade deadline for the 2025-2026 NBA season was on February 6, 2026.

The players

Ja Morant

The star point guard who was the face of the Grizzlies franchise for several seasons.

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What they’re saying

“The beginning of the Grizzlies' Ja Morant era was fast and thrilling, both down the floor and up the standings. The ending has been a low, slow slog that now continues on.”

— Chris Herrington, Sports Writer (dailymemphian.com)

What’s next

The Grizzlies will look to rebuild around a new core of players in the coming seasons, with Ja Morant's future with the team uncertain.

The takeaway

The end of the Ja Morant era in Memphis signals a major shift in the direction of the Grizzlies franchise, as they look to move on and build a new contender in the highly competitive Western Conference.