The Memphis Grizzlies are overhauling their roster ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season, making significant moves to reshape both their lineup and coaching staff. On May 2, Tuomas Iisalo was promoted to head coach, taking over from Taylor Jenkins after leading Memphis to the playoffs as interim coach. The front office has also been active in the trade market, signaling a new direction for the franchise.
One of the most notable transactions saw guard Desmond Bane traded to the Orlando Magic. In return, Memphis acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a pick swap. This move provides the Grizzlies with future assets and additional backcourt depth, though it is unlikely the team will keep both Anthony and Scotty Pippen Jr. on the roster long-term. Expect one to be traded or waived before the season begins.
On draft night, the Grizzlies used one of their newly acquired picks to move up from No. 16 to No. 11, sending the 16th overall pick, a 2028 first-round pick via Orlando, and two second-round picks to the Portland Trail Blazers. With the 11th pick, Memphis selected forward Cedric Coward out of Washington State University.
Coward, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound two-way wing, averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in six appearances before a shoulder injury ended his college season. The Grizzlies are betting on his athleticism and defensive upside to fit their new identity.
Grizzlies Projected 2025–26 Depth Chart
Here is Memphis’ depth chart as of early July:
- Point Guard: Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr., Cole Anthony
- Shooting Guard: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cedric Coward
- Small Forward: Jaylen Wells, Vince Williams Jr., GG Jackson, John Konchar
- Power Forward: Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke
- Center: Zach Edey, Jay Huff
Restricted free agent Santi Aldama remains under team control, offering versatility at forward. John Konchar, on an expiring contract, could be used as a trade chip if Memphis looks to bolster its frontcourt depth behind Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke.
New Direction Under Iisalo and Kleiman
General manager Zach Kleiman has emphasized the need for balance after fielding one of the league’s youngest rosters in recent seasons. Iisalo’s uptempo, defense-first system should complement Coward’s athleticism and Jackson’s mobility in the frontcourt. However, Memphis still faces questions about consistent perimeter shooting and reliable depth at both guard positions.
I asked Zach Kleiman if the team-building approach changes this summer: “You want to be upfront with yourself about building a team that can compete at the highest level in the playoffs.” Later in the same answer: “Did we really need to triple down on youth?”
— Chris Herrington (@ChrisHerrington) April 30, 2023
Training camp will feature battles among Jaylen Wells, Vince Williams Jr., GG Jackson, and Coward for backup wing minutes. At center, Edey projects to start alongside Jackson, with Jay Huff adding depth behind him. The upcoming season will test which lineups best maximize Ja Morant’s explosiveness and Jackson Jr.’s two-way presence.
