Memphis Grizzlies Open to Trading Ja Morant Ahead of NBA Deadline
The Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining offers to potentially move two-time All-Star Ja Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, sources told ESPN. This development marks a significant shift in the team’s approach, as they have previously been hesitant to engage in trade talks involving their star player. Multiple teams are pursuing Morant, and rival executives believe the Grizzlies would prioritize draft picks and young players in return.
Morant, 26, is under contract with the Grizzlies through the 2027-28 season and is eligible to sign up to a three-year, $178 million extension this summer. Despite his impressive resume, Morant has struggled with injuries and off-court issues, playing in only 18 games this season. He is averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists in 28.3 minutes per game, while shooting a career-low 40.1% from the field and 20.8% from 3-point range.
Morant’s Injury-Plagued Season
Morant has played in only 18 games this season due to injuries and a one-game suspension stemming from a postgame exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo in November. Memphis is 10-9 without him in the lineup, and 6-12 when he plays. He played just 59 games over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons because of two suspensions for incidents with guns, along with various injuries. Despite these challenges, Morant remains one of the most talented players in the league, with a unique ability to score and distribute the ball.
According to Basketball-Reference, Morant is one of eight players in NBA history to average 22 points and seven assists per game, joining an elite group that includes LeBron James, Oscar Robertson, James Harden, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and Cade Cunningham. This impressive statistic highlights Morant’s potential and value to any team.
Grizzlies’ Future Plans
Memphis is considering multiple paths forward amid the emergence of several promising young players, including Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, and Cam Spencer. The team may choose to build around these players and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., or continue to feature Morant as a key part of their roster. The Grizzlies also remain open to continuing on with Morant as a focal part of their retooling efforts.
The Grizzlies have a treasure chest of assets, with a total of nine first-round picks and six second-rounders moving forward. They have their first-rounder in each of the next seven drafts, providing ample opportunities to rebuild and retool their roster. Memphis currently has the 10th-best lottery odds ahead of a highly anticipated NBA draft in June, according to ESPN.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Grizzlies’ decision on Morant’s future will have significant implications for the team and the league as a whole. With their rich collection of draft picks and young talent, Memphis is well-positioned to shape their roster and make a push for the playoffs in the years to come.
