In contrast, last season was a disaster without Morant. The Grizzlies struggled to a 27-55 record—third worst in the West—and missed the playoffs entirely. Morant could only play nine games due to a lengthy suspension and shoulder injury, highlighting just how crucial he is to the team’s success.

Grizzlies' star Ja Morant is a name to "keep an eye on" in the trade market this summer, according to a report from The Ringer's Howard Beck.

"They’re just deep enough into the Ja Morant life cycle, and also the Ja/Bane/Jackson Jr. grouping - they’re young enough and should have plenty of runway. But in this league, you never have as much runway as you think you’re going to have.