Grizzlies Listening to Trade Proposals for Ja Morant Ahead of Feb. 5 Deadline
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The Memphis Grizzlies have begun discussing potential trades for two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant in advance of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, according to sources familiar with the talks.
League executives told ESPN that multiple clubs have inquired about Morant and expect Memphis to emphasize draft capital and young talent in any deal. It is the first time the franchise has seriously engaged other teams on moving the No. 2 pick from the 2019 draft.
Morant, 26, is signed through the 2027-28 season and becomes eligible this summer for a three-year extension worth up to $178 million. This season he is averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists in 28.3 minutes while shooting career lows of 40.1% from the field and 20.8% beyond the arc.
Injuries and a one-game suspension related to a postgame confrontation with head coach Tuomas Iisalo in November have limited him to 18 appearances. Memphis is 10-9 without him and 6-12 when he plays. Over the previous two seasons, Morant suited up for only 59 games because of two gun-related suspensions and various injuries.
Morant is one of eight players in NBA history to maintain career averages of at least 22 points and seven assists, joining LeBron James, Oscar Robertson, James Harden, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Trae Young and Cade Cunningham.
The Grizzlies are weighing several roster paths after the emergence of young contributors Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer, along with 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. Team officials have not ruled out keeping Morant as the centerpiece of their ongoing retool.
Memphis holds a substantial collection of assets, including nine future first-round picks and six second-rounders, after sending Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic last offseason for four unprotected firsts and a swap. The club also controls its own first-round selection in each of the next seven drafts and currently owns the league’s 10th-best lottery odds heading into June’s anticipated class.
Source: ESPN
