The Phoenix Suns are making significant moves this offseason as they aim to rebuild around Devin Booker after a disappointing season. The franchise kicked off their roster retooling by trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, acquiring Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and multiple draft picks, including the 10th pick of the 2025 draft, which they used to select Khaman Maluach from Duke.

During the 2025 NBA Draft, the Suns further strengthened their lineup by trading for Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. They added two more prospects, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea, in the second round. In free agency, they signed Euroleague standout Nigel Hayes-Davis, who had an impressive season, averaging 16.8 points and earning the Finals MVP award.

With Hayes-Davis joining the squad, the Suns will benefit from his ability to score and defend from the bench, addressing their forward depth issues. His experience in the Euroleague and success in high-pressure situations will be invaluable as the Suns look to return to playoff contention.

The Memphis Grizzlies are weighing the pros and cons of re-signing Marvin Bagley III as he stands as an unrestricted free agent following a season with limited impact. His acquisition mid-season from the Washington Wizards resulted in modest contributions, averaging just 3.6 points over 12 games. However, his closing performance against the Mavericks, where he scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, hinted at potential upside. With Zach Edey's recent ankle surgery sidelining him for the start of the 2025-26 season, the Grizzlies may find themselves in need of additional frontcourt depth.

Despite the evident need, Bagley's return is complicated. His previous fit within the Grizzlies’ system was less than ideal, and competition for minutes will remain fierce, particularly with Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, and Brandon Clarke in the mix. Furthermore, Memphis's plans to renounce Bagley’s rights could make it easier for other teams to pursue him, leaving the Grizzlies potentially needing to sign him to a minimum deal if they hope to keep him.

The Memphis Grizzlies have relinquished their first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, part of a trade deal that brought Marvin Bagley III to the team while sending Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards. Despite securing the 18th overall pick after winning a tiebreaker, the Grizzlies opted for a lottery protection on the pick, which could have been retained had they failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, a play-in game victory over the Dallas Mavericks led to this crucial decision, ultimately setting them up against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs.

This scenario has sparked debates on the value of winning in the current competitive environment, particularly regarding the prevalent strategy of 'tanking' for better draft positions. Many analysts argue that by winning, the Grizzlies not only gain invaluable playoff experience but also allow interim coach Tuomas Iisalo the chance to demonstrate his capabilities in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, Memphis still holds two second-round picks in the upcoming draft, previously acquired through deals with the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, indicating that the team remains focused on future opportunities despite this setback.

In a surprising twist, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1, scoring just 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting. Despite his off-night, the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated, winning 131-80, showcasing their depth. Gilgeous-Alexander's performance was a mere footnote in one of the most lopsided playoff games in NBA history, reflecting the strong support from his teammates, who picked up the slack. The Thunder's success without their star's usual scoring output highlights their collective strength and raises questions about their championship potential if Gilgeous-Alexander recovers from this performance.

The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a remarkable performance with a historic 131-80 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their playoff series. The victory not only secured a 1-0 series lead but also showcased a dominant team effort, as all starters reached double-digit scoring. The Thunder led by as many as 56 points, with standout contributions from Jalen Williams, who scored 20 points and dished out six assists, and Chet Holmgren with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Off the bench, Aaron Wiggins added a substantial 21 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 14 points and eight boards. On the Grizzlies' side, star Ja Morant struggled, managing only 17 points on 35% shooting, echoing the overall team inefficiency against OKC's fierce defense.