In this three-team trade scenario, Ja Morant would be sent to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Grizzlies would receive former Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., and a future first-round pick from the Bucks, while the Pistons would absorb Gary Harris’ contract from the Bucks.
The situation surrounding Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow as the trade deadline approaches.
Milwaukee Bucks / Schedule
Morant is among the biggest names on the trade market and is widely expected to be moved, with plenty of suitors eager to acquire the two-time All-Star. One possible destination could be the Milwaukee Bucks, who are reportedly looking to add another star alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton recently proposed an intriguing three-team trade scenario that would send Morant to the Bucks and potentially boost their chances of returning to contention in the Eastern Conference.
Full trade
Bucks receive:
Grizzlies receive:
Kyle Kuzma
Kevin Porter Jr.
2026 first-round swap
Pistons receive:
Gary Harris
Cash considerations
"Bucks need an upside play to salvage the tail end of Giannis Antetokounmpo's prime. Porter's play hasn't been enough to keep Milwaukee in a play-in spot amid Antetokounmpo's injuries," Pelton says.
"Because the Bucks are saving the Grizzlies so much money, $20-plus million in 2026-27, provided Porter declines his below-market $5.4 million player option, and Morant's entire $45 million salary in 2027-28, they're not willing to offer a first-round pick outright in this construction," he continues to explain the trade.
Credit AP - Scanpix
"Instead, Memphis would add Milwaukee to a convoluted set of pick swaps. The Grizzlies will likely end up with their own pick and one from either Orlando or Phoenix, whichever team finishes with a worse record."
"They could swap the worst of those picks for the one the Bucks end up with after a potential swap with New Orleans. At present, that would move Memphis up from the 18th pick to a tie for 10th, although presumably Milwaukee would bet on making the playoffs after this trade."
'The Bucks would still retain the ability to offer three first-round picks in a trade on draft night to build around what would now be an Antetokounmpo-Morant core," he adds.
Credit AP – Scanpix
Earlier this week, ESPN reported that the Grizzlies are exploring a Morant trade for the first time, with multiple teams already showing interest.
Morant, 26, remains under contract through the 2027-28 season, which gives the Grizzlies control over the process.
While the team has young talent to build around, including Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis has not fully committed to either keeping Morant as the centerpiece or moving in a new direction.
On the court, Morant has played 18 games this season, averaging 19.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists. The Grizzlies currently sit 10th in the Western Conference with a 16-22 record.
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