Reports indicate a tepid market for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant if he becomes available for trade. NBA executives cite his contract, off-court issues, injuries, and playing style as deterrents. The Sacramento Kings emerge as a potential suitor to monitor.
The Memphis Grizzlies have not signaled readiness to trade Ja Morant, but league interest remains limited. On ESPN's Hoop Collective Podcast, Tim Bontemps stated there would not be a robust trade market for Morant, a view echoed by Marc Spears. Spears reported speaking to GMs who noted that last summer, every Grizzlies player, including Morant and Jaren Jackson, was available. Notably, the Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane in a trade with Memphis but opted against pursuing Morant.
Four executives expressed no interest in Morant, pointing to his max contract for this season and the next two, combined with off-court issues leading to 34 games of suspensions. Morant has missed about 35% of regular-season games due to injuries. Statistical trends show decline in drives to the rim, free-throw attempts, and scoring efficiency. Spears quoted one executive suggesting any deal would be 'problem star for a problem star,' while others emphasized the need for specific coaching to handle his mercurial nature. One NBA coach said, 'I'm not sure I'd want to,' about coaching Morant.
Broader market dynamics for small, ball-dominant guards contribute to low value. Examples include Trae Young's stagnant situation with the Atlanta Hawks, where Tim MacMahon noted, 'if there was a real market for Trae Young, he'd be somewhere else right now.' Recent trades of James Harden and Damian Lillard yielded fewer assets compared to wings like Mikal Bridges or bigs like Rudy Gobert.
Contenders like the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets already have established ball-handlers, limiting Morant's fit. The Milwaukee Bucks have thrived post-Lillard injury with budget guards like Ryan Rollins, who produces 83% of Morant's points at 10% of the salary.
The Magic preferred Bane for his shooting and fit alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, areas where Morant falls short. Sacramento Kings, despite current guards like Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, and Dennis Schröder on flexible contracts, could pair Morant with Domantas Sabonis akin to their 2023 playoff run with De'Aaron Fox. The Sacramento Bee's Jason Anderson reported no talks yet, but monitoring is expected. Morant's value hinges on teams willing to build around him as primary ball-handler.