NBA Expansion by 2027-28 could see Grizzlies move to the Eastern Conference

The NBA is moving closer to expansion, and all signs point to the 2027-28 season as the likely timeline for when new teams will officially join the league. According to an ESPN report , the NBA plans to expand during the 2024-25 season, expecting these new teams to begin play three years later. Although the league hasn't ruled out the possibility of starting as early as the 2026-27 season, it's considered unlikely, given the lengthy process of selecting cities, owners, and settling expansion fees.

Unlike previous expansions, which only introduced one new team, this upcoming phase is expected to add two new franchises, both likely in the Western Conference. Seattle and Las Vegas have emerged as the frontrunners for these new teams, creating significant excitement around the return of the Seattle Supersonics and the potential for a new team in Las Vegas. However, adding two Western Conference teams would necessitate realignment, with one existing team likely moving to the Eastern Conference to balance the competition.

Expansion talks focus on Seattle and Las Vegas

Reports of an NBA expansion have circulated for years, especially concerning the return of the beloved Seattle Supersonics, who relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. Las Vegas has seen increasing interest from professional sports leagues and is poised to gain an NBA team. These cities are geographically positioned to be part of the Western Conference and are appealing markets for fans and investors.

As Forbes' Evan Sidery noted earlier, realignment would likely accompany this expansion, given that both Seattle and Las Vegas are in the West. This could lead to a shuffle among existing Western Conference teams, with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New Orleans Pelicans being the primary candidates for a potential move to the Eastern Conference.

Memphis Grizzlies' potential move to the East

Among the three potential candidates, the Memphis Grizzlies are the most geographically suitable team to move to the Eastern Conference. Memphis is located near Eastern Conference cities like Atlanta. Moving eastward would create a more balanced travel schedule for the Grizzlies while increasing the number of teams in each conference.

So, what would this move mean for the Grizzlies?

Currently, the Western Conference is considered more competitive, with many young teams on the rise. In contrast, the Eastern Conference features aging stars and several franchises in transition. If the Grizzlies were to move east, they would join a conference that—while still competitive—could offer them a more straightforward path to postseason success.

Despite the recent resurgence of teams like the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, many of the Eastern Conference's contending teams are built around aging stars like Jimmy Butler, Damian Lillard, and James Harden. Meanwhile, teams like the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers face uncertainty as their rosters evolve. For the Grizzlies, a young team led by stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., a move to the East could make playoff contention more accessible.

What's next for NBA expansion?

Though expansion talks are heating up, nothing is set in stone. The NBA must still select ownership groups and set expansion fees, which could take time, given the competitive nature of this process. Additionally, the upcoming sale of the Boston Celtics could further complicate or delay these plans, as the league might wait for the Celtics' sale to establish a new benchmark for franchise valuations.

Nevertheless, the 2027-28 season remains the target for the new teams to begin playing, and a clearer picture of expansion—and potential realignment—should emerge in the coming years. If all goes according to plan, the Memphis Grizzlies may soon compete in the Eastern Conference, with new rivals and new opportunities on the horizon.

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