NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 11: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2025 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 11: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2025 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies reportedly putting Ja Morant on the trade block may see the star point guard finding a new home as recent as this season. However, it appears to be a mutually beneficial decision of both parties realizing it’s time to part ways. Memphis looking at Morant trades could benefit his desires as well.
ESPN’s Michael Wright reported that Morant was telling others that he’s done with the Grizzlies franchise after they suspended him in November:
“Morant still hasn’t gotten over the suspension because he felt alienated by teammates, who were told to leave the star guard alone so he could work through the issues that led to the suspension. In the aftermath, Morant told players around the league and some of his former coaches that he isn’t playing for Memphis anymore, according to sources.”
The suspension for Morant came due to the Grizzlies saying his conduct was detrimental to the team. Morant publicly criticized the coaching staff for not playing him enough and had terrible body language on the bench that game. Sources around the NBA told Wright that Morant mentally checked out around that point.
Does Ja Morant Have A Point?
Morant’s rationale for feeling disenchanted with Memphis stemmed from feeling the franchise no longer valued him as strongly. The coaching staff making changes to his role in the offense clearly upset the multiple time All-Star. Morant butting heads with coaches and getting punished for it was a terrible look, especially since Ja has been punished by the NBA before for behavioral issues.
However, the team clearly could only go as far as Morant would take them. Most star players would be frustrated with losing responsibility of leading the team to successful results. Memphis struggled to pick up wins early in the season, as Morant started to feel like less of a difference maker.
It is not unfair for Morant to have desired more opportunity, but another controversy following his name only hurts the player. The Grizzlies were initially hesitant about trading Morant. Today, it seems like they are ready to start the next chapter of their franchise to build around new players.
Will Ja Morant Find More Success?
Most scenarios of a team trading for Morant would typically see them improving their chances of playoff success. The Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings are the teams rumored to have the strongest interest heading into the trade deadline.
Miami and Minnesota both make sense as teams hoping to make noise in the playoffs. Morant could be the missing piece for the Timberwolves team lacking a point guard. Miami has been looking for a star player for many years now, especially after losing Jimmy Butler.
Sacramento stands out as the strangest team to have interest in a trade since they currently hold one of the worst records in the NBA. However, the Kings badly want to add top talent to improve their future. Morant will either be in a better position to play for a winning team or have full control of the offense on weaker rosters if Memphis deals him.