Ja Morant

Ja Morant’s future in Memphis looks less certain than it once did, and the biggest question now is where a trade could send one of the NBA’s most explosive guards. The Grizzlies are weighing a split not because Morant lacks talent, but because the relationship has soured after seven turbulent seasons. Morant has delivered the highlights that made him a franchise star, including two All-Star selections, Rookie of the Year honors and All-NBA second-team recognition in 2021-22. But injuries, suspensions and clashes with the coaching staff have pushed the situation toward a possible reset. Why Memphis could move on Morant’s 2025-26 season ended with a UCL tear in his elbow, which kept him out for two months before the Grizzlies shut him down for the year because of lingering discomfort. He still has two years and $87 million left on the five-year, $197 million extension he signed in 2022. At 27 in August, Morant would still fit a prime-age timeline for another contender or for a team trying to jump into it. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, appear to be continuing a rebuild and could try to turn that contract into younger players or draft capital. Minnesota offers a clean basketball fit The Timberwolves already look like a contender, which could make them one of the most straightforward landing spots. With Ayo Dosunmu potentially leaving in free agency after handling a focal role in Minnesota’s offense late in the season and through the playoffs, a clear opening could exist at guard. Morant would not have to carry the entire offense there. He could complement Anthony Edwards and give Minnesota a second high-end creator while stepping into a winning environment that has reached the Western Conference semifinals and, before that, the Western finals. For Memphis, that kind of deal could bring back draft capital from a team ready to chase another title run. Miami could pivot if the Giannis chase changes The Heat have been linked heavily to a possible run at Giannis Antetokounmpo, but if that path fades, Morant would become a very different kind of centerpiece. Miami made the play-in but did not get into the top eight, and a guard of Morant’s caliber would instantly change the tone. Because the Grizzlies might not be able to land a huge pile of picks, a trade could center more on young talent. www.commercialappeal.com noted that 2025 first-round pick Kasparas Jakucionis would bring athleticism and explosiveness, while 2022 first-round pick Nikola Jovic would offer the length Memphis needs. New Orleans could use a star next to Zion Williamson The Pelicans have young pieces, but they still need a star to pair with Zion Williamson. Morant would give them exactly the kind of headline talent that could bring some optimism back to a team that has struggled to stack wins. If New Orleans is willing to part with one of its ascending guards, such as 2025 first-round pick Jeremiah Fears, Memphis might take that quickly. Another route would be a veteran guard like Dejounte Murray plus additional draft compensation. Any trade will hinge on how willing other teams are to treat Morant as a centerpiece despite the volatility around his Memphis run. For the Grizzlies, the decision would be less about moving on from a star and more about deciding whether that star still fits the direction of the franchise. Read more at: www.commercialappeal.com

Three Teams That Could Make the Most Sense If the Grizzlies Move Ja Morant