TITLE: Grizzlies Weigh Ja Morant Trade Scenarios With Feb. 5 Deadline Looming
SLUG: grizzlies-fielding-ja-morant-offers-ahead-of-deadline
CONTENT:
The Memphis Grizzlies are actively listening to trade proposals for Ja Morant but are not ruling out keeping the 26-year-old guard beyond the Feb. 5 trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Former Grizzlies executive John Hollinger of The Athletic confirmed that front-office officials are fielding calls and expressed doubt that Memphis will retain Morant past the deadline. Hollinger noted it is unusual for a club to broadcast a star’s availability unless a move is already in motion, citing the Atlanta Hawks’ swift deal that sent Trae Young to Washington shortly after similar reports surfaced.
Early Suitors and Possible Frameworks
Hollinger characterized interest from the Kings and Timberwolves as “lukewarm.” He identified the Raptors—potentially building a package around Immanuel Quickley—as a more realistic landing spot, while labeling the Nets a “deep dark-horse” contender.
A league source told The Athletic that Michael Porter Jr. is expected to be moved by Brooklyn before the deadline. Hollinger outlined three-team concepts that would send Porter to the Raptors, Heat or Bucks, route Morant to Brooklyn, and deliver assorted assets to Memphis.
Market Value and Grizzlies’ Priorities
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic reported a league-wide belief that Memphis could fetch a better return for Morant than Atlanta received for Young, though it might mean absorbing long-term contracts—an option the Grizzlies are said to consider.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line noted that Memphis is seeking young players and draft capital but does not expect a haul comparable to last offseason’s Desmond Bane trade. While Morant has not formally asked out, both sides reportedly agree that a fresh start could benefit all parties.
Fischer added that the franchise intends to build around Jaren Jackson Jr., yet rival clubs continue to inquire about the former Defensive Player of the Year. Hollinger has heard similar whispers, and Fischer questioned whether the Raptors or Hawks might turn their attention to Jackson following Anthony Davis’s recent hand injury.
Other Notable Rumblings
- Early-season chatter about a Morant-for-LaMelo Ball deal with Charlotte has cooled.
- The Raptors previously offered Quickley and draft picks to Atlanta for Young and have maintained interest in star guards; Memphis could view Quickley’s contract differently than the Hawks did.
- The Heat have discussed Morant internally despite his discomfort with Memphis’ offensive system under Noah LaRoche last season; Miami routinely explores star acquisitions regardless of injury or off-court concerns.
- Hollinger and Vecenie are skeptical that the Bucks will pursue Morant, though one executive told Fischer Milwaukee has “thought about everyone.”
The Grizzlies have just over a week to decide whether to reset around Jackson and additional assets or keep Morant for the stretch run.
Source: HoopsRumors
