Getty
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 26: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at FedExForum on December 26, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies have had to deal with a lot of drama surrounding Ja Morant over the last few years. From injuries to off-the-court problems, it has not been a smooth marriage between the two. This year has been a struggle, also.
Right now, the Grizzlies sit 10th in the Western Conference standings. Most of that has been due to the fact that the team just can’t stay healthy. Morant has had problems staying on the court, as have Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, and Ty Jerome. Injuries have taken their toll.
Morant has played in just 18 games so far this season for Memphis. He has missed the last six games with a calf bruise, which is around the same time that trade rumors started popping up. While he was in Germany, Morant reportedly told some teammates that he would never play for Memphis again.
GettyMemphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant dribbles the ball. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Ja Morant Doesn’t Want to Play for the Grizzlies Anymore
According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Morant reportedly told multiple teammates that he refuses to play for Memphis anymore. Some around the league are speculating that is the main reason why Morant hasn’t played in the last few games despite originally being listed as “questionable” on the injury report.
This season, Morant is putting up the worst stats since his rookie season. He got into an argument with teammate Vince Williams before the game in Berlin, which continued the bad optics he has around him. It certainly looks like this time in Memphis is coming to an end.
Morant is doing himself no favors when it comes to his trade value. The fact that he is arguing with teammates and not playing in games means that other teams are not inclined to trade him. Memphis isn’t going to do him any favors in terms of his destination, either.
GettyMemphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant looks on. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Grizzlies Likely Won’t get Much in Return for Ja Morant
The Grizzlies are reportedly looking for serious draft capital in return for Morant. That doesn’t seem to be a feasible ask at this point. Without Morant playing in games and looking healthy, teams are not going to be willing to give up first-round picks for him.
At this point, Memphis might get something similar to what the Hawks got for Trae Young in his recent trade. It’s not going to be a massive return with great players and all kinds of draft picks. If the Grizzlies wanted that return, they would have had to trade him a couple of years ago.
Morant is just 26 years old and should be in his prime. Perhaps a change of scenery would do him good. That might allow the Grizzlies to focus the team around Jaren Jackson Jr. and rebuild their offensive philosophy. At this point, it seems inevitable that the Grizzlies trade Morant.
The trade deadline is just a few weeks away, so a move could be coming soon.