Clippers hopes of recalibrated roster have collapsed if Memphis rumors are true

By trading an All-Star caliber talent in Desmond Bane, who will obtain the honor soon, to the Orlando Magic, NBA teams and fans are unsure of what direction the Memphis Grizzlies are headed. Excluding the 2021-22 season, when they lost in Game 6 of the second round to the Golden State Warriors, the Grizzlies have not had a series win since 2014-15, indicating a blow-up may be coming.

The man of nearly every discussion, who most are questioning on what his future holds, is Ja Morant, a young and promising superstar. He is coming off his sixth season, playing 50 games and averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds.

The former second-overall pick also has two All-Star appearances and an All-NBA presence on his resume, and by combining these feats with his age(25), the Grizzlies’ front office would receive an acceptance letter on any haul they ask for.

The next star Memphis has that intrigues fans at this point is Jaren Jackson Jr., a former Defensive Player of the Year and two-time blocks champion. His availability pertains more towards the LA Clippers, as he would make Tyronn Lue’s team the best in the world if he were dealt.

In fact, this season, he played 74 games, was named an All-Star, and averaged 22.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, shooting 48.8% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.

Although both of Memphis’ superstars would dominate in Intuit Dome, specifically Jackson Jr. on the current roster, rumors are surfacing that their front office will keep the duo together, which hurts any chance the Clippers had of improving in the trade market this summer.

While Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. were expected to be available, the Memphis Grizzlies will likely hold onto their stars

Based on what has been said by Shams Charania, the Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane for additional financial freedom and to pay Jaren Jackson Jr. soon the maximum extension he deserves. They would have struggled to hand over a check to Jackson Jr. with Bane’s $197 million term on the books.

The Orlando Magic also overpaid the Grizzlies through countless first-round draft picks, a young star in Cole Anthony, and a veteran in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

That said, the Clippers could have used Jackson Jr. if he were to be shipped, but with him being off-limits, executive Lawrence Frank must shift to Santi Aldama from the Grizzlies.