Ja Morant trade scenarios: Four potential deals under review by the Grizzlies
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies are weighing trade proposals for two-time All-Star point guard Ja Morant, sources told ESPN on Friday, potentially ending the 26-year-old’s seven-season run with the franchise.
Morant’s tenure has included Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player honors, yet multiple off-court incidents and recurring injuries have dominated the past three years. Tension with new head coach Tuomas Iisalo led to a one-game suspension earlier this season, and league sources said Morant later told players and former coaches he no longer intends to play for Memphis.
On the floor, Morant is posting career lows in minutes, rebounding and shooting efficiency, averaging 19.0 points while hitting 40% from the field and 21% from three-point range. His effective field goal percentage ranks 133rd out of 134 players with a similar shot volume this season.
Trade hurdles
General manager Zach Kleiman called 2025-26 “a big season for Ja,” stressing the need for All-NBA-level consistency. Instead, Morant’s role and production have dipped as he takes fewer shots at the rim and records 0.39 dunks per game, down from 0.96 during his All-Star campaigns.
Point guard depth across the league and concerns about Morant’s availability could limit bidding. The Washington Wizards, once viewed as a suitor, recently acquired Trae Young without sending draft compensation, underscoring the muted market.
Contract snapshot
Morant is owed $39.5 million this season, followed by $42.2 million and $44.9 million through 2027-28. He can sign a three-year, $178 million extension next summer. Because he missed All-NBA in 2022-23, the cap hits are lower than the $237 million maximum he might otherwise have commanded.
Four proposals on the table
1. Miami Heat
Heat receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Tyler Herro, Simone Fontecchio
Miami would gamble on Morant’s upside to boost an offense that has not ranked top-10 since 2019-20. Herro’s salary pairs neatly with Morant’s, and no draft picks change hands.
2. Milwaukee Bucks (three-team framework)
Bucks receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., 2026 first-round swap with Milwaukee
Detroit Pistons receive: Gary Harris, cash considerations
Milwaukee seeks a high-ceiling partner for Giannis Antetokounmpo while shedding future salary for Memphis. The pick swap adds draft flexibility for the Grizzlies.
3. Toronto Raptors
Raptors receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, 2026 first-round pick (top-14 protected)
Toronto would upgrade at point guard, trading one protected pick for Morant’s star potential. Memphis gains a starting guard and a first-rounder in the 2026 draft.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (four-team construction)
Timberwolves receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Rob Dillingham, Naz Reid, 2027 second-round pick (via Bulls)
Washington Wizards receive: Terrence Shannon Jr.
Utah Jazz receive: Mike Conley, cash considerations
Minnesota would add Morant without breaking its core, shipping out Reid plus recent first-round selections. Memphis acquires frontcourt depth and a young guard, while Utah takes back veteran Conley and cash.
With limited demand and contractual complexities, Memphis faces a challenge in securing full value for its former All-NBA guard. Front offices continue to monitor Morant’s situation ahead of the trade deadline.
Source: ESPN.com
