Ja Morant on the Trade Block: Market Landscape and Potential Destinations

The Memphis Grizzlies have placed point guard Ja Morant on the trade block as they enter a rebuilding phase. Morant, a two-time All-Star and 2021-22 All-NBA second-team member, concluded the 2025-26 season on the injured list after a UCL elbow tear and subsequent season-ending shutdown for “lingering discomfort.” He has two years and $87 million remaining on his 2022 five-year, $197 million extension, the largest contract in franchise history.

Memphis Commerical Appeal

Memphis’ decision follows a series of setbacks, including multiple injuries, a disciplinary suspension, and reported clashes with coaching staff that limited deep playoff runs. The organization is shedding veteran assets to acquire draft capital and salary-cap flexibility. Morant’s contract, while sizable, is set to expire after the 2027-28 season, with salaries of $42.1 million in 2026-27 and $44.8 million in 2027-28.

Heavy

Prediction-market data from Kalshi shows Morant’s likelihood of remaining with Memphis at 28 percent, while the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls each hold a 28 percent and 15 percent chance, respectively, of acquiring him. The Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat, and other teams rank lower in the market. The trade block has persisted since the prior season, but no concrete offers have been confirmed.

Heavy

• The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that “the Grizzlies are hopeful Morant will be the Plan B for a team that misses out on Giannis Antetokounmpo.”

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• Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic noted that “the Timberwolves aren’t targeting Ja Morant.”

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• ESPN’s Shams Charania indicated that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s move to the Miami Heat “essentially takes the Heat out of the picture for Morant.”

Memphis Commerical Appeal

Analysts cite Morant’s recent down year—averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds—and his injury history as factors reducing his trade value. Disciplinary issues and reported friction with Memphis’ coaching staff further complicate his appeal to contending franchises.

Memphis Commerical Appeal

Sources differ on Morant’s most viable destination. The Commercial Appeal suggests the New Orleans Pelicans could trade guard Jeremiah Fears or veteran Dejounte Murray, while other outlets highlight the Timberwolves, Kings, and Bulls as possibilities. No team has publicly confirmed interest, and the draft-night scenario involving the Utah Jazz, Cam Boozer, and Darryn Peterson remains speculative.

A perfect draft scenario could bring Ja Morant within reach of the Timberwolves

Morant’s potential relocation would reshape the Grizzlies’ salary structure and accelerate their rebuild, while providing a high-profile talent for a team seeking a franchise point guard. For contenders, his contract size and injury profile present a risk-reward calculation that influences broader trade-deadline strategies.

Memphis Commerical Appeal

The NBA draft and the upcoming trade deadline will test the market’s appetite for Morant. The outcome of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Miami Heat deal and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ post-Randle roster adjustments are expected to shape final negotiations.

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