Trade rumors surrounding Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant have resurfaced amid the team's struggles, coaching changes, and his recent one-game suspension. Despite GM Zach Kleiman's earlier denial of any trade intentions, speculation points to five teams as possible fits if the Grizzlies reconsider. The article explores how Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, and Minnesota Timberwolves could align with Morant's skills and situation.
In February 2025, Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman firmly dismissed trade rumors involving Ja Morant, stating, "I can't blame other 'executives' for fantasizing about us trading Ja... But it's just that -- fantasy. We are not trading Ja. Continue to underestimate Ja, this team and this city, and we will let our performance on the floor speak for itself. I'm not going to give this nonsense further oxygen and look forward to getting back to basketball." At that time, the Grizzlies held a 36-18 record and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
However, the season took a downturn. By March 28, 2025, their record slipped to 44-29, dropping them to the No. 5 seed. That day, the team fired head coach Taylor Jenkins and assistant Noah LaRoche, citing the slide and player dissatisfaction with a new offense that reduced pick-and-roll plays—Morant's preferred style—in favor of drive-and-kick actions. Morant reportedly voiced complaints about the change.
The Grizzlies finished as the No. 8 seed and faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. Morant suffered a hip injury in Game 3, ending his playoff participation. This marked the second postseason injury sidelining him, following a prior regular season where he played only nine games. Since his 2019 draft, Morant has missed about 34% of Memphis' regular-season games.
In June 2025, the Grizzlies traded guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for draft picks, signaling a step back from contention despite earlier interest in deals for Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler. Morant was eligible for a contract extension that offseason, but with three expensive years remaining on his deal, the team opted not to add two more.
Tensions boiled over after a recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, where Morant told reporters to "go ask the coaching staff" and added, "according to them, probably don't play me." He received a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
Morant's development has raised concerns: he shoots 31.3% on 6.4 three-point attempts per 100 possessions, with shots from within three feet declining from 39.6% as a rookie to 16% this season, and his free-throw rate at 33%.
If traded, potential destinations include:
- Sacramento Kings: Could pair Morant with Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, involving players like DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk to manage salary, aiming to recapture playoff excitement despite defensive issues.
- Miami Heat: Known for player turnarounds, with Bam Adebayo and Kel'El Ware providing frontcourt support; a deal centered on Tyler Herro could work.
- Phoenix Suns: Morant could complement Devin Booker by driving to the rim, addressing paint scoring woes, though asset limitations complicate trades.
- Toronto Raptors: Flexible with picks and players like Immanuel Quickley or Brandon Ingram, but shooting deficiencies with Scottie Barnes pose challenges.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: GM Tim Connelly's bold style could create an athletic backcourt with Anthony Edwards, potentially involving Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert in a multi-team deal.
These scenarios hinge on teams willing to risk on Morant's All-NBA talent despite his injury history and archetype concerns.