On November 27, 2017, head coach David Fizdale was fired after an eight-game losing streak and a publicized benching of Marc Gasol.
The Grizzlies would then suffer their worst loss in franchise history during the regular season on March 22, 2018, losing to the Charlotte Hornets 79–140 in a 61-point blowout.
Star point guard Mike Conley Jr. played only 12 games due to injury.
It was their first 60+ losing record since 2007–08, and also their first season since 2008–09 without Zach Randolph, as he signed with the Sacramento Kings via free agency in July 2017.
As a result, they acquired power forward Ivan Rabb out of California and shooting guard Dillon Brooks out of Oregon respectively.