The firing of David Fizdale could be the first of many moves to come for the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite reports of ownership making the decision based on the rocky relationship between the former helmsman and his star center Marc Gasol, it won't prove as an impediment for the latter's move down the line.

“I don’t think they’re done making changes,” one league executive told Sean Deveney of The Sporting News on Monday. “They could still move Gasol, they could still go into a rebuilding situation, but it would be harder if Gasol was saying he wants out. They have had plenty of offers for Gasol, and they have a couple of months to sort out whether they pull the trigger. But don’t be surprised if they do, even after this.”

A trade for Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas could prove one avenue this team could take, as their efforts to get younger pieces have been obvious in the last two years. Plus, the Raptors have paid $100 million to Kyle Lowry this summer as the ultimate sign that the team is in win-now mode.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr (10) reacts after a made basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at Toyota Center.
Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. secures $122 million contract extensionRichard Pereira ·
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has some newcomers via the 2025 NBA Draft class.
LA Clippers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) signals to teammates during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
Bobby Marks details why Lakers’ LeBron James trade to Cavs won’t be easyRichard Pereira ·
Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (13) during NBA Finals Media Day at Paycom Center.
Pacers make contract decision on surprise playoff contributorAbdullah Imran ·
Featured image Elfrid Payton
Pelicans declining team option on assists-per-minute leaderDylan Fine ·
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Rockets emerge as serious Dorian Finney-Smith suitorLorenzo J Reyna ·

So why would they trade Marc Gasol?

Well, the Grizzlies face a horrid schedule the next two weeks and do so with a new interim coach in J.B. Bickerstaff, a replacement point guard in the often-errant Mario Chalmers, and a disgruntled star in Gasol, who has seen the vast difference in play from his grind days with Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, and Vince Carter.

Marc Gasol's unhappiness didn't just start and end with Fizdale, but the constant disarray and seeming lack of direction from the Grizzlies franchise has taken a toll on him. Mike Conley's injury only compounds that frustration, as the Grizzlies have lost eight straight games and face the San Antonio Spurs in consecutive games, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Raptors within the next couple of weeks.