A Western Conference executive has identified the Memphis Grizzlies as the team most likely to make a major trade this season. This assessment comes from a survey of league executives by Heavy's Sean Deveney, highlighting the Grizzlies' unique assets and flexibility. Memphis is coming off a tough 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 13, 2026, and has lost its last five games.
Why are the Grizzlies seen as major trade players?
The executive pointed directly to the massive $28.87 million traded player exception (TPE) the Grizzlies created. This exception, the largest in the NBA, was generated in the February 3 trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. To the Utah Jazz. Memphis received Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three first-round picks in return. That exception expires one year after the deal was finalized, setting a deadline in early February.
Memphis also holds a staggering amount of draft capital. The team has 12 first-round picks and nine second-rounders at its disposal. Combine that with a roster full of young, sizable talent and significant financial room, and the Grizzlies have a powerful toolkit. You can track the evolving roster on our [squad](/squad) page.
What is the team's current strategy?
The prevailing feeling around the league is that Memphis will be patient. "The Grizzlies, they don't get a lot of attention, but they are in a really good position," the executive told Deveney. "I think the sense is that they are going to wait, see how this group comes together, and make their move next summer."
However, the executive noted a potential catalyst. "But the TPE expires, and if they get off to a good start, you know, you strike when the iron is hot." This suggests a strong start to the season could push the front office to act sooner rather than later. Their recent form, an 0-5 record in their last five games, shows a need for improvement.
How has the roster changed recently?
The Grizzlies have undergone a dramatic transformation. The core trio from the 56-win 2021-22 season is completely gone. Ja Morant was traded to Portland for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray on June 29. Desmond Bane was dealt to Orlando the previous summer. Jaren Jackson Jr. Was the last of the three to be moved in the Utah deal.
This summer's activity continued the overhaul. Memphis selected Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in June and took Karim López at 21st. On July 8, they were part of a complex six-team trade. That deal brought in Isaiah Stewart from Detroit, D'Angelo Russell from Washington, and AJ Johnson from Dallas. Santi Aldama was sent to Dallas, and Memphis also acquired a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick from the Mavericks.
What else did the executive survey reveal?
In other parts of Deveney's survey, an Eastern Conference executive named New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy as the player likely to draw the most trade calls this season. The executive suggested the price for a player like Murphy was set by the earlier Desmond Bane trade. Deveney wrote that Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Darius Garland were other potential candidates for that distinction, depending on their teams' performance.
For Memphis, the clock is ticking on their biggest asset. The $28.87 million exception from the Jackson trade is one of several created in the February deal, but it's the most significant. Clayton and Niang were absorbed into the exception created by Konchar's outgoing salary, while Anderson went into the one generated by Landale and Williams. Memphis has until this coming February to use it or lose it, adding urgency to their planning. Fans can follow the team's progress and potential moves through our [standings](/standings) and [stats](/stats) pages.
