Grizzlies betting big on Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr, and a reshaped roster

The Grizzlies are entering 2025-26 with a revamped roster and a clearer picture of their cornerstones, as detailed by Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors.

Memphis’ biggest move came early in the offseason, when the team dipped under the cap to renegotiate and extend Jaren Jackson Jr.

The former Defensive Player of the Year received a raise to $35 million for 2025-26, followed by a four-year, $205 million extension that keeps him in Memphis through at least 2029.

They followed that by trading Desmond Bane to Orlando in a blockbuster that returned Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, multiple first-round picks, and draft capital flexibility. The Grizzlies used two of those picks to trade up to No. 11 and select Cedric Coward, a versatile forward they believe can contribute early despite limited college experience.

Memphis also re-signed Santi Aldama (three years, $52.5M) and Cam Spencer (four years, $10.4M), then used their room exception to sign former Cavalier Ty Jerome to a three-year, $27.7M deal. The combined salaries of Caldwell-Pope, Jerome and Coward essentially replace Bane’s number while diversifying the roster.

Ja Morant remains central to Memphis’ plans, and the front office signaled as much by building around him and Jackson rather than running it back with Bane.

Adams notes that depth up front is thin early, with Jock Landale stepping in as injuries sideline Jackson, Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke.

Memphis’ 15-man roster and three two-ways are set, barring small preseason tweaks.