The Minnesota Timberwolves have contacted the Memphis Grizzlies to explore a potential trade for point guard Ja Morant, amid his reported frustrations with the team. However, no deal is close, according to reports. The inquiry comes as Minnesota seeks to solidify its point guard position during a 6-4 start to the season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to bolster their backcourt and have reached out to the Memphis Grizzlies about acquiring star guard Ja Morant, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported on SiriusXM NBA Radio. Morant, who has expressed a lack of 'joy' in playing for Memphis and recently served a one-game suspension following comments about the coaching staff, is averaging 19.2 points, 7.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game this season. The Grizzlies, off to a 4-6 start, are not close to any agreement, with Krawczynski noting that the Timberwolves are merely 'testing the waters.'
Minnesota's interest stems from ongoing issues at point guard. With veteran Mike Conley on the tail end of his career, the team has relied on Anthony Edwards to handle playmaking duties and Julius Randle, who currently leads the Timberwolves in assists per game, to serve as a point forward. Younger players like Rob Dillingham are still developing, and Donte DiVincenzo is not a natural fit at the position. The Timberwolves boast the NBA's No. 4 offense but have slipped defensively from a top-10 unit last season to the middle of the pack, contributing to their sluggish 6-4 record.
League sources indicate the market for Morant is not as strong as Memphis would hope, given his off-court issues and suspensions. The Grizzlies would likely demand a star player in return or a significant package of picks and young talent to either maintain fan interest or initiate a rebuild. Krawczynski suggested any potential deal might not materialize until late December if Minnesota continues to struggle, or more likely, next offseason after the February 5, 2026, trade deadline. Pairing Morant with Edwards and Randle could form a dynamic trio, but questions remain about his ball-dominant style fitting Minnesota's needs as a classic floor general.
