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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Tuomas Iisalo of the Memphis Grizzlies calls from the sideline in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on December 15, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
The Ja Morant experience in Memphis has been a huge rollercoaster since the team took him #2 overall in 2019. Between injuries, suspensions and off-court incidents, plenty of negative press has taken hold.
But then, you have the game-winners. The big playoff moments. The monster performances and show-stopping dunks. There haven’t been many dull moments Memphis while #12 has been playing for their basketball team.
For the first time though, they may be seriously considering trading their star player. Per Shams Charania, the team is open to trading the 2X All-Star ahead of the Feb 5 trade deadline.
Trading a franchise player is never an easy decision to make, but it does appear that Memphis may be ready to move forward.
Next Steps for Ja Morant
The thing is, the Grizzlies tend to play very good basketball when Ja Morant is on the court. The key word there though, is when. Last year he missed 32 games, after logging just nine the year before. This season already, the star guard has missed 19 of 37 total contests, just not available when the team needs him.
This year started on a high, when Morant sunk a game-winner against the Suns.
Of course, not all good things last. In addition to all the games missed from injuries, Morant has been suspended numerous times. Between team conflicts and off-court drama, there has never been a dull moment. Plus, there is all the noise his father Tee Morant has made, drawing unwanted attention back towards Ja.
There is a reason that Morant has been selected to two All-Star games. The highlight reels are incredible. This is a player who helped Memphis to win 50+ games in consecutive seasons from 2021-2023. Things have not gone quite as well since then though, which has led us to today’s news.
There is going to be no shortage of suitors after the starting point guard, who is due to make $42 million next season, and $44 million in 2027-28. All of the money is guaranteed, so whoever landed him, would get a multi-year stint out of Morant.
After seven seasons and 325 games in Grind City, it may appear Morant’s days are finally numbered. there.
Teams That Could Swing for Ja Morant
Now that the news is out that Ja Morant could be dealt, let’s look at a few teams that may try to swing for the fences to land him. He doesn’t turn 27 until August, so he’s still got a whole lot to offer whichever squad pulls the trigger.
The Miami Heat have long been rumored to be interested in Morant, but would the bigger question is if they would need to trade Tyler Herro in order to make it happen. In absorbing a large salary, the money will have to work for both teams, of course.
There have been rumors that the Minnesota Timberwolves could be interested. A backcourt pairing of Morant and Anthony Edwards could be the most athletic combo in the history of the league. Two high-flyers that just won’t be denied.
The Houston Rockets still don’t have a true point guard after the Fred VanVleet ACL injury in the offseason. Might the Toronto Raptors want an All-Star guard to pair with Scottie Barnes? Might the Milwaukee Bucks pair some salaries together to give Giannis Antetokounmpo an elite running mate?
The options are endless. We’ll see where Morant lands. The big news is that Memphis is officially entertaining offers. Something they have not publicly stated until today.
Now, we wait and see.