According to multiple reports, there was a growing feeling around the league that Taylor Jenkins was going to be fired in the offseason.

The timing was very surprising, but the firing was not for many people associated with the NBA. In fact, it was almost expected he wouldn’t return for the next season.

Why the feeling was growing so much was due to Memphis overhauling his coaching staff and completely cutting him out for the future.

“The anticipation was they’d get bounced in the first round and he’d be fired,” said Tim MacMahon on Monday’s Hoop Collective Podcast. “That’s honestly been the anticipation since last summer. All season long. Like the odds of Taylor Jenkins coming back next year were very slim. But to be fired with nine games left in the season… a playoff team. Yeah, the timing was shocking.”

Jenkins was their head coach for six seasons before getting canned, he was hired back in 2019 to replace current Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff before they selected Ja Morant with the second overall pick.

In a surprising turn of events, the Memphis Grizzlies have made the decision Friday morning to fire head coach Taylor Jenkins.

Jenkins, who has coached this team for six seasons, had a record of 464-250 (.539). Despite the numerous injuries and hurdles, Memphis was on pace to win 50 games this season.

The Grizzlies, before firing their head coach, held the fifth seed in the Western Conference. They have a record of 44-29, tying them for fourth with the Los Angeles Lakers. Plus, only being a game and a half out of third.

“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” said Grizzlies President and GM of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman. “This was a difficult decision, given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor’s leadership. I wish Taylor the very best going forward.”

There are nine games left in the regular season. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, assistant Tuomas Iisalo has been named the interim head coach.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Memphis Grizzlies have traded Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards to create roster flexibility and have the possibility to do a renegotiate-and-extend deal with Jaren Jackson Jr.

Marcus Smart and a 2025 first-round pick have been sent to the Washington Wizards for two second-round picks, Marvin Bagley III and Johnny Davis. This two-team trade turned into a multi-team trade involving the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento, who has been making incredible moves this deadline, sent Alex Len, Colby Jones, and their 2028 second-round pick to Memphis for Jake LaRavia. 

Smart, a former DPOY, is making $20.2 million this season and $21.6 million the following season.