The Memphis Grizzlies officially moved on from one era of the franchise and began a new one this offseason.
First came the selection of Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft
and soon thereafter, the Grizzlies finally executed a trade of star Ja Morant after looking for a deal to unload him at last year's trade deadline. Combined with the trades of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. over the past year, Memphis has effectively flipped its roster.The core is filled with compelling young pieces, with Boozer joined by recent first-round picks Cedric Coward and Zach Edey. Jerami Grant, who arrived via the Morant trade, as well as returning guard Ty Jerome give Memphis some experience and should help avoid finishing in the Western
Conference cellar.
Though this team isn't expected to be a contender, there's intrigue that this rebuild could come together quicker than expected.
Here's a breakdown of the Memphis Grizzlies' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
Memphis Grizzlies offseason review
- Record last season: 25-57 (13th in Western Conference)
- Playoff finish: Did not qualify
- Coach: Tuomas Iisalo (3rd season)
- 2026-27 title odds: +75,000 (per BetMGM)
- Projected record: 20-62
- Offseason grade: B+
Key roster additions
- F Cameron Boozer (No. 3 pick, 2026 NBA Draft)
- F Karim Lopez (No. 21 pick, 2026 NBA Draft)
- F Jerami Grant (trade)
- C Isaiah Stewart (trade)
- C Quentin Post (free agent signing)
- F Kris Murray (trade)
- G De'Angelo Russell (trade)
Key roster losses
- G Ja Morant (trade)
- F Santi Aldama (trade)
- G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (contract buyout)
- F Brandon Clarke (death)
Biggest question entering training camp
How much will Zach Edey play?
- The Grizzlies’ 2024 first-round pick has been an effective anchor in the paint when healthy, and Memphis drafted Boozer, in part, because of his potential long-term fit alongside the 7-foot-3 Edey. But the 24-year old from Purdue played in just 11 games due to a lingering foot injury that required a second surgery in March. How quickly the Grizzlies’ rebuilding plans take shape depends on Edey’s availability and whether the double-double he averaged last year is sustainable over an entire season.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
- G Ty Jerome
- G Cedric Coward
- F Jerami Grant
- F Cameron Boozer
- C Zach Edey
Rotation players
- G Scotty Pippen Jr.
- G/F Jaylen Wells
- F Karim Lopez
- F/C Quinten Post
- C Isaiah Stewart
What to expect in 2026-27 season
The Memphis Grizzlies are a candidate to exceed expectations and challenge for a postseason berth in the West if their young core can come together quickly this season. The full-time return of Jerome, as well as the consistent presence of Edey and the health of guard Scotty Pippen Jr., are crucial for the team's chances of approaching a .500 record. The bet here is the Memphis front office's strong draft track record pays off again, and this group is battling for one of the final play-in spots by the end of this season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Memphis Grizzlies season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction
