Hanifan’s Offseason Outlook: Evaluating the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2025 offseason

For our second annual offseason outlook series, Hot Hot Hoops senior writer Matt Hanifan will provide his take on the offseasons of all 30 teams for the next 30 days! We have already completed the Eastern Conference, so we will proceed in alphabetical order with the West before capping it all off with the Miami Heat. Today, we will be evaluating the Memphis Grizzlies’ offseason.

Past Previews:

Sept. 1: Atlanta Hawks
Sept. 2: Boston Ce l tics
Sept. 3: Brooklyn Nets
Sept. 4: Charlotte Hornets
Sept. 5: Chicago Bulls
Sept. 6: Cleveland Cavaliers
Sept. 7: Detroit Pistons
Sept. 8: Indiana Pacers
Sept. 9: Milwaukee Bucks
Sept. 10: New York Knicks
Sept. 11: Orlando Magic
Sept. 12: Philadelphia 76ers
Sept. 13: Toronto Raptors
Sept. 14: Washington Wizards
Sept. 15: Dallas Mavericks
Sept. 16: Denver Nuggets
Sept. 17: Golden State Warriors
Sept. 18: Houston Rockets
Sept. 19: Los Angeles Clippers
Sept. 20: Los Angeles Lakers

Evaluating the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2025 offseason:

Additions: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ty Jerome, Jock Landale, P.J. Hall, Olivier Maxence-Prosper

Subtractions: Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard, Marvin Bagley III, James Huff, Yuki Kawamura, Lamar Stevens

Re-signed: Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, Cam Spencer

Draft: Cedric Coward (No. 11 overall), Javon Small (No. 48 overall)

Hanifan’s outlook: The Memphis Grizzlies opened up the summer by making a seismic move, trading away Desmond Bane for four first-round picks — plus one future swap — in addition to Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

They had to buy out Cole Anthony to make room to renegotiate and extend Jaren Jackson Jr., re-sign Santi Aldama and add Ty Jerome.

I love the price at which they acquired guard Jerome, one of the league’s best sixth men a year ago. I know Heat fans have nightmares watching him slice up Tyler Herro like a Subway sandwich, but he’s a perfect fit for Tuomas Iisalo’s pick-and-roll-centric offense.

I was a huge fan of Coward — name aside — pre-draft. At 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, he’s got exceptional physical traits — which he used to his advantage as a shot blocker and free safety in the passing lanes. Coward is a great shooter with a legitimate post-game offensively (his footwork is outstanding). I trust the Grizzlies more than most organizations when it comes to their player development. I think Coward works out.

Hanifan’s Offseason Outlook: Evaluating the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025 offseason

I will be much higher on Memphis’ wing room if Caldwell-Pope, coming off an odd season in Orlando, rediscovers his impact he had in Denver and Los Angeles. The Grizzlies are still looking to win now, so Caldwell-Pope must impact the game positively on both ends of the floor. Their wing room is fairly thin — while their guard room and big rotation are both solid. I liked their offseason, but I need to see what version I’m getting out of him for me to really be sold.