The Memphis Grizzlies expect more suitors for guard Ja Morant once the 2025-26 season concludes, sources told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright.
Memphis sounded out several clubs before February’s trade deadline but cut off talks when interest stalled. One conversation with the Sacramento Kings collapsed after Sacramento asked the Grizzlies to include a first-round pick alongside the two-time All-Star, according to the report.
Falling value, fresh opportunity
Morant’s trade stock has slipped sharply in recent seasons because of injuries, reduced production and multiple off-court issues. He appeared in only 20 games this year. Despite the decline, league executives told ESPN they believe Memphis will find more realistic offers during the summer, even if the return is far below what was possible several years ago.
Team officials cited three reasons for the anticipated uptick:
- Integrating a ball-dominant guard is easier in the offseason than mid-campaign.
- Clubs will have more time to scrutinize Morant’s medical and personal background.
- Franchises that fail to land potential trade target Giannis Antetokounmpo could shift to Morant as a fallback, while others disappointed by their 2025-26 results may pursue a buy-low option.
“There’s certainly going to be hesitation,” a Western Conference director of pro personnel told ESPN, “but there’s going to be several desperate teams.” Another Western executive predicted movement “when teams feel they didn’t get what they wanted in the draft or free agency.”
Signs pointing to an exit
Many front-office staffers began preparing for Morant’s availability last summer after Memphis traded Desmond Bane and halted extension talks with its star point guard. A one-game team suspension early this season, following a dispute with head coach Tuomas Iisalo, further fueled expectations of a split. MacMahon and Wright report that Morant later told players around the league and former coaches he would no longer play for the Grizzlies.
Expected return
Executives contacted by ESPN compare Morant’s potential haul to the package Atlanta accepted for Trae Young in January—CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert with no draft picks.
The Kings, who explored Morant before the deadline, could revisit talks if they fail to secure a long-term lead guard in the lottery, league sources said.
Despite recent turbulence, several executives view the 26-year-old as a prime rebound candidate. “Maybe I’m naive,” one executive said, “but that type of talent doesn’t grow on trees. If he lands somewhere new and he’s motivated—‘I’ll show you guys’—some teams will at least kick the tires.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
