After losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Memphis Grizzlies have been very busy this summer in an effort to recover.
Continuing to reshape its roster to compete in a deep Western Conference, Memphis is focusing on building around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
An agreement with the Warriors of Golden State has been brewing for some time, and the club finally revealed it on Sunday. Jahmai Mashack, a Tennessee guard with an emphasis on defense, had his draft rights bought by Memphis.
The Grizzlies traded Justinian Jessup’s rights and a protected second-round choice from the Grizzlies’ 2032 draft class to the Warriors in exchange.
In the second round, the Warriors selected Will Richard of Florida at number 56, a minor jump up in the draft,
who was selected three spots later at No. 59 overall, ended up going to Memphis.
Mashack brings the kind of defensive energy the Grizzlies have long valued. At 6-foot-4, the former Volunteer built his reputation as a tenacious perimeter defender, earning SEC All-Defensive Team honors last season. He averaged 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, offering a high-motor presence who can guard multiple positions.
While he may not have generated much buzz during the draft process, Mashack fits the mold of gritty role players Memphis has built around in recent years. His physical style, relentless on-ball pressure, and willingness to take on tough defensive assignments make him an ideal candidate for minutes in the Grizzlies’ rotation.
Mashack’s story is also one of perseverance. He overcame Guillain-Barré syndrome as a child, a rare disorder that affects the nervous system. That experience helped shape his mentality and work ethic, which now fuels his approach on the court.
The trade continues a busy offseason for Memphis, which has already made multiple moves to add youth and toughness after moving on from Desmond Bane and retooling its backcourt. Through the draft and trade market, the Grizzlies have focused on acquiring players who fit their identity as a hard-nosed, defensively focused team.
As the roster takes shape, the front office seems committed to surrounding Morant and Jackson with pieces that complement their skill sets while maintaining the physical edge the team is known for.
With Mashack now in the fold, Memphis adds another young, determined piece to the puzzle.
The Grizzlies may not be finished making moves, but each step points to a clear direction: lean into defense, build around toughness, and keep pace in a stacked West.
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