The Memphis Grizzlies entered the 2024-25 season hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2023-24 campaign in which they missed the playoffs. However, familiar problems resurfaced—injuries, inconsistency, and increasing doubts about the team’s direction. With star guard Ja Morant sidelined for a large portion of the season and little help from the rest of the roster, the Grizzlies couldn’t sustain their early momentum. Although they clawed their way into the Play-In Tournament and clinched the No. 8 seed, their playoff run ended quickly with a first-round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Off-court instability also emerged. In a shocking decision, head coach Taylor Jenkins was dismissed just nine games before the end of the season, even though Memphis was fourth in the standings at the time. Trade rumors have begun to swirl around the team’s key players, including Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., casting doubt on the franchise’s long-term vision. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon noted on the *Hoop Collective Podcast* that league insiders are speculating about Morant’s potential availability. General manager Zach Kleiman didn’t mince words when reflecting on the season, saying, “I don’t think we can look back at this season and say we’re close. No, we’re not.” Once viewed as a rising force in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies now face an uncertain future.