The Memphis Grizzlies are now listening to trade offers for star guard Ja Morant ahead of the February 5 NBA trade deadline, marking a shift from their previous stance. This development follows a challenging season for the 26-year-old two-time All-Star, who has appeared in just 18 games due to injuries and past suspensions. Multiple teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Miami Heat, have shown interest in the former No. 2 overall pick.
The Memphis Grizzlies' decision to entertain trade offers for Ja Morant represents a significant pivot for the franchise. According to ESPN, the team is seriously considering moving the guard, a change from general manager Zach Kleiman's emphatic statement last year: "We are not trading Ja." This comes amid a 16-24 record for Memphis, placing them 10th in the Western Conference as of early January 2026.
Morant's career has been marked by highs and lows. Drafted second overall in 2019, he won Rookie of the Year and earned All-NBA honors in 2022, leading the Grizzlies to the No. 2 seed in the West. However, suspensions in 2023 for off-court incidents—eight games in February and 25 games starting the 2023-24 season—along with a major shoulder injury in 2024 and recent calf issues, have limited his play. This season, Morant averages 19.0 points and 7.6 assists per game on 40.1% field goal shooting and a career-low 20.8% from three in 28.3 minutes.
The Grizzlies prioritize young players and draft compensation in any deal, but Morant's trade value mirrors that of Trae Young, who was recently traded from Atlanta to Washington for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert without draft picks. Morant's contract runs through 2027-28, with $87 million remaining after 2025-26, potentially making him attractive as a buy-low opportunity despite defensive and shooting concerns.
Interested teams include the Sacramento Kings (8-29, seeking a point guard), Minnesota Timberwolves (to pair with Anthony Edwards), Miami Heat (post-Jimmy Butler), Milwaukee Bucks (amid Giannis Antetokounmpo speculation), and Toronto Raptors. Mock trades suggest packages involving players like Naz Reid or DeMar DeRozan, but no deals are imminent. In November 2025, Morant expressed frustration after a suspension, saying he had "lost his joy" playing for the team.
This follows the June 2025 trade of Desmond Bane to the Magic, signaling a potential retool around Jaren Jackson Jr. While a trade is not guaranteed, the market could determine if Memphis moves on from their once-franchise cornerstone.
