What does a perfect NBA Draft Night look like for the Memphis Grizzlies?

Locked On Grizzlies - Daily Podcast On The Memphis Grizzlies29mJune 2, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

The best-case scenario for the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA Draft isn't just about landing a star — it's about orchestrating a seismic roster transformation through bold trades and strategic drafting. Host Joe Mullinax envisions a night where Memphis trades Ja Morant and multiple picks to the Sacramento Kings for the No. 7 pick and Zach Levine, then uses a traded player exception to acquire Isaiah Hartenstein from Oklahoma City. This haul would bring in Cam Boozer, Braden Burries, and Xo Lendenborg — three elite, proven winners — while clearing nearly $90 million in expiring contracts for 2027. The result? A young, flexible core with championship upside and the financial freedom to build around a new era. Mullinax argues that while this scenario is wildly optimistic, it’s the only way to truly move on from the Morant era and reset the franchise. He also makes a compelling case that Gigi Jackson, often criticized, could finally thrive as a starter if given the right role — not as a facilitator, but as a high-impact scorer alongside a point-forward like Boozer. The episode is a masterclass in speculative roster engineering, blending realism with ambition. Mullinax doesn’t just dream — he builds a financial and personnel framework that makes the fantasy feel plausible. He challenges the idea that staying at No. 16 is safe, arguing instead that the Grizzlies must go all-in on upside swings.

Key Takeaways
1

Trade Ja Morant and multiple picks to the Kings for the No. 7 pick and Zach Levine to clear $90M in expiring contracts by 2027.

2

Use the traded player exception to acquire Isaiah Hartenstein from OKC in exchange for future second-round picks.

3

Draft Cam Boozer at No. 3, Braden Burries at No. 7, and Xo Lendenborg at No. 20 to build a young, proven winner core.

4

Reposition Gigi Jackson as a starter at the three, not as a facilitator, but as a high-volume scorer alongside Boozer and Ty Jerome.

5

The Grizzlies must prioritize upside swings at No. 16 — not safe picks — to maximize development potential and roster flexibility.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
1:38
3 min

The Best Case Scenario: A Franchise Reset

You're dreaming. But the dream had to have a ceiling. And to me, the reality of the John Morant era ending in Memphis is even a dream can't necessarily defeat that.

Highlight
4:09
3 min

The Trade Architecture: How to Move On from Morant

Mullinax details the mechanics of a hypothetical trade with the Kings: sending Morant, picks 16 and 32, and the 2027 Lakers first-round pick in exchange for Levine and the No. 7 pick, using the TPE to add Hartenstein.

7:29
3 min

The Draft Picks: Boozer, Burries, and Lendenborg

The guy literally was just a key component, arguably the MVP of the season that led Michigan to the national title.

Highlight
10:03
3 min

The Case for Gigi Jackson as a Starter

Maybe the answer to one of these questions is already on the roster if he's just given the right kind of opportunity.

Highlight
13:12
7 min

Upside Swings at No. 16: Pete, Quaintance, and the Risk of Safety

Mullinax challenges the idea of playing it safe at No. 16, arguing for upside swings like Koa Pete and Jaden Quaintance, despite their flaws, due to their youth and potential.

High-Impact Quotes
You're dreaming. But the dream had to have a ceiling. And to me, the reality of the John Morant era ending in Memphis is even a dream can't necessarily defeat that.
Joe Mullinax10:16
The guy literally was just a key component, arguably the MVP of the season that led Michigan to the national title.
Joe Mullinax9:16
Maybe the answer to one of these questions is already on the roster if he's just given the right kind of opportunity.
Joe Mullinax29:10
Speakers

Host

Joe Mullinax
Topics Discussed
nba draft 202695%memphis grizzlies roster rebuild90%ja morant trade88%traded player exception85%gigi jackson potential80%upside swing draft picks75%zach levine trade70%isiah hartenstein trade65%
People & Brands

Gigi Jackson

person

15xPositive

Cam Boozer

person

14xPositive

Ja Morant

person

12xNegative

Joe Mullinax

person

12xNeutral

Zach Levine

person

10xPositive

Braden Burries

person

9xPositive

DeMichael Cole

person

8xNeutral

Isaiah Hartenstein

person

7xPositive

Xo Lendenborg

person

6xPositive

Sacramento Kings

organization

6xNeutral

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