Uncertain Offseason Awaits Memphis Grizzlies After Dismal Finish

Lottery positioning, Ja Morant's future, and Zach Edey's health will shape the Grizzlies' path forward

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:06am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the fragmented and uncertain future facing the Memphis Grizzlies as they enter the offseason.The Grizzlies' offseason will require a deconstructed, multi-angled approach to address their roster uncertainties and chart a path forward.Memphis Today

The Memphis Grizzlies' regular season has ended on a dismal note, with the team completing the final quarter on a historically poor pace. As they look ahead to the offseason, the Grizzlies face several critical decisions that will determine the direction of the franchise, including their NBA Draft Lottery positioning, the future of star player Ja Morant, and the health and development of center Zach Edey.

Why it matters

The Grizzlies' offseason moves will have a significant impact on the team's ability to bounce back from their late-season collapse and rebuild towards contention in the Western Conference. Their draft position, Morant's status, and Edey's progress will all be key factors in shaping the next era of Memphis basketball.

The details

The Grizzlies' draft position is the most immediate concern, as their lottery odds will directly influence the talent they can add to the roster. If they land in the top 3, they'll have a chance to select a potential superstar like AJ Dybansta, Darryn Peterson, or Cameron Boozer. But if they fall outside the top 4, the success of their pick becomes more uncertain. The Grizzlies also have additional first and second-round picks, giving them ample draft capital to work with. The team's relationship with star guard Ja Morant has also become strained, and a trade may be the best path forward for both sides to start fresh. Finally, the health and development of center Zach Edey will be crucial, as he showed flashes of dominance when healthy but dealt with leg injuries that limited his playing time.

  • The NBA Draft Lottery will take place next month, determining the Grizzlies' draft position.
  • Ja Morant is under contract with the Grizzlies for the next two seasons, but the team may look to trade him this offseason.
  • Zach Edey will need to make progress in his recovery from leg injuries over the summer to be ready for the 2026-27 season.

The players

AJ Dybansta

A top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft out of BYU, considered one of the three best players available.

Darryn Peterson

A top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft out of Kansas, considered one of the three best players available.

Cameron Boozer

A top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft out of Duke, considered one of the three best players available.

Ja Morant

The Grizzlies' star guard, whose future with the team is uncertain after a disappointing 2025-26 season.

Zach Edey

The Grizzlies' young center who showed promise when healthy, but dealt with leg injuries that limited his playing time.

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What’s next

The Grizzlies will await the results of the NBA Draft Lottery next month to determine their draft position, and will then need to make a decision on the future of Ja Morant and continue monitoring Zach Edey's recovery over the summer.

The takeaway

The Grizzlies' offseason will be critical in determining the direction of the franchise, as they must navigate the uncertainty surrounding their lottery positioning, Ja Morant's future, and Zach Edey's health. How they address these key issues will shape the next era of Memphis basketball.