What happened: The Memphis Grizzlies have traded Ja Morant to Portland, completing the dismantling of their core. With the deal, Memphis has now moved all three of its former franchise cornerstones — Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. — since the end of the 2025 playoffs.

Why it matters: The teardown marks the end of an era for a Grizzlies team that built its identity around the trio. Memphis is pivoting toward a full rebuild after the core failed to advance past the first round, a reset that reshapes the franchise's direction heading into the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: Watch how Memphis allocates the assets returned in these deals and whether the front office signals a multi-year rebuild or a faster retool around younger pieces.