Just nine months after Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman dismissed the idea of moving Ja Morant—calling it “fantasy” on Feb. 19, when the team was 36-18 and second in the Western Conference—the franchise is again facing questions about its star guard’s future.
The renewed discussion follows a turbulent stretch in which Memphis slid to the No. 8 seed, Morant was injured during the postseason, head coach Taylor Jenkins was dismissed, and the club overhauled its offense—a change Morant publicly challenged. Last week’s heated exchange between the guard and the new coaching staff resulted in a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, a move that reignited speculation, according to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn.
Trade value complications
Even if the Grizzlies decided to explore a trade, equal value may be difficult to secure. Smaller guards who neither space the floor consistently nor provide strong defense have proven hard to move—a reality underscored by muted markets for Trae Young and, previously, Damian Lillard. Morant’s extensive injury history and his sizable contract add further layers of complexity.
Five potential buy-low destinations
Quinn identified five organizations that might consider a “buy-low” swing should Memphis make Morant available:
- Kings – Searching for backcourt dynamism after parting with De’Aaron Fox.
- Heat – A front office with a history of rehabilitating distressed stars.
- Suns – Owner Mat Ishbia favors bold moves, and Morant could mesh offensively with Devin Booker.
- Raptors – In need of a clear identity and holding flexible assets.
- Timberwolves – President of basketball operations Tim Connelly is open to dramatic pivots, and a pairing with Anthony Edwards promises elite athleticism.
While Kleiman’s February statement—“We are not trading Ja”—still stands, growing availability concerns and last week’s suspension have cast uncertainty over that stance. For now, as Quinn notes, the larger question may be whether any meaningful market for Morant actually exists.
Source: Hoops Wire
