ESPN has dropped its bold predictions for the Memphis Grizzlies’ upcoming NBA season, and let’s just say it’s got fans talking! With the blockbuster Desmond Bane trade shaking things up, how will Ja Morant and the squad fare in a tough Western Conference? Will they surprise everyone, or is a ‘step back’ truly on the horizon?

The landscape of the Western Conference is in constant flux, and the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves at a pivotal juncture, with recent projections from ESPN casting a cautious outlook on their upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. This forecast, arriving even before training camp commences, has ignited discussions among fans and analysts regarding the potential impact of their significant offseason roster changes.

At the heart of this altered projection is the blockbuster trade that saw fan-favorite Desmond Bane depart from the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster. In return, the team acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, along with valuable first-round draft capital. This strategic move signals a potential re-evaluation of the team’s immediate competitive aspirations, aiming for future flexibility while impacting current strength.

The 2024-25 NBA season concluded with the Memphis Grizzlies holding a respectable 48-34 record, a performance that ultimately led to a first-round playoff exit against the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite this solid foundation, ESPN’s analytics suggest that the upcoming season may see a regression in their win-loss tally, positioning them below some expected Western Conference contenders.

Notably, the report highlights a perceived shift in momentum between the Grizzlies and the San Antonio Spurs. ESPN articulated, “The Spurs and Grizzlies appear to be trending in different directions,” even ranking San Antonio marginally ahead of Memphis, tying them with the Dallas Mavericks. This assessment underscores the Spurs’ patient rebuild around star Victor Wembanyama, who is anticipated to lead a significant leap in their win total into the 40s.

For the Grizzlies, the rationale behind this projected “step back” is largely attributed to the Desmond Bane trade. As ESPN explained, trading “one of their core players this summer (Desmond Bane) for a draft pick package… could signify the franchise is readying for a step back.” This move, while potentially beneficial for long-term growth and roster development, creates an immediate void in scoring and perimeter defense.

Bane was an integral component of the Memphis Grizzlies’ success since his arrival post-COVID-19 bubble era. His contributions were particularly crucial during their impressive postseason run where the team secured the No. 2 seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, before ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Lakers. His departure marks the end of an impactful chapter for the team.

Despite the significant personnel change and the arrival of Tuomas Iisalo for his inaugural season as an NBA coach, there’s a prevailing sentiment that the Memphis Grizzlies are not undergoing a full franchise reset. While Bane was arguably the most expendable of the core group, the team is still built around its existing talent, including Ja Morant. The immediate goal appears to be navigating the transitional phase while remaining competitive.

In light of these expert predictions and the team’s strategic adjustments, expectations for the 2025-26 NBA season in Memphis appear tempered. For Ja Morant and his teammates, reaching the Play-In Tournament, and securing a chance to contend for one of the eight playoff spots, would realistically be considered a successful outcome, highlighting the competitive challenges ahead in the Western Conference.