The Memphis Grizzlies appear to be entering a major rebuilding phase after trading two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Amid this shift, Ja Morant has become the focus of increasing trade speculation as the NBA trade deadline approaches, with several teams reportedly showing interest.
While rumors persist, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps indicated his sources
have been skeptical of general manager Zach Kleiman finding a deal
for Morant. However, the looming 3 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday may force movement either through new suitors or a change in Memphis’s trade demands. Three franchises stand out as the most plausible candidates in this evolving situation.
Interest from the Miami Heat Depends on a Low-Cost Deal
NBA insider Jake Fischer shared during a Bleacher Report live session that the Miami Heat have expressed some interest in acquiring Morant, but only if the trade happens at a significant discount. Fischer drew a parallel to the Atlanta Hawks’ earlier decision to send Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for what was considered a bargain price.
The Grizzlies, currently 19-29 and trailing by three games behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the final Play-In spot, have essentially signaled surrender by trading Jackson. The possibility of tanking with Morant, who is reportedly aware of Memphis’s intent to move him, could create a difficult locker room environment.
Memphis received three first-round picks as part of the trade with Utah, bolstering their draft assets. This surge in draft capital may provide Kleiman the latitude to move Morant even if it means accepting a loss, accelerating the team’s rebuild.
Toronto Raptors Could Be Interested Despite Shooting Concerns
Jake Fischer previously noted that alongside Washington, the Toronto Raptors have shown serious interest in Trae Young and could also be eyeing Morant. However, Morant’s fit with the Raptors comes into question due to Toronto’s poor shooting statistics. The Raptors rank 24th in made three-pointers per game and 28th in three-point shooting percentage, while Morant’s own outside shooting has been subpar this season at just 23.5 percent.
Nevertheless, Morant remains a marquee name at just 26 years old and is under contract for two more years, factors that add value for a franchise that has struggled to attract top stars. Should Memphis be willing to negotiate firmly, a trade involving Morant may appeal to Toronto as a rebuild catalyst.
Sacramento Kings Weigh Trade Risks and Extension Doubts
The Sacramento Kings face a complicated decision regarding Morant. NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that Morant
would likely be reluctant to sign a contract extension in Sacramento,
a concern the organization is reportedly considering. Meanwhile, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the Kings
inquired about the price tag for Morant.
Despite inquiries, the Kings may prefer to focus on youth development instead of acquiring additional costly veteran contracts. This could open the door for them to trade established stars like Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan to free up salary cap flexibility, which in turn might make a package to Memphis more realistic. LaVine becomes a free agent a year before Morant, and DeRozan’s $25.7 million salary for 2026-27 is only partially guaranteed, making both possibilities financially attractive for Memphis.
Memphis Faces Uncertain Future as Trade Deadline Nears
The trade of Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah has heightened speculation that the Memphis Grizzlies are fully committing to a rebuild, with Ja Morant’s fate now under intense scrutiny. The deadline could force a trade if interested teams act quickly or if Memphis lowers its price.
How the situation unfolds is critical for the team’s direction. Selling Morant could accelerate the rebuild with ample draft capital but risks alienating fans who have supported the dynamic guard. Meanwhile, teams like Miami, Toronto, and Sacramento balance interest against financial implications and roster fit, resulting in uncertainty around any immediate deal.
As the deadline approaches, the choices made by the Grizzlies and potential suitors will determine the future landscape of both Memphis and the broader NBA trade market.
BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ax6oQpZx0S
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
Jake Fischer: “Miami Heat are interested in Ja Morant but only on what they would consider a bargain deal. Something very equivalent to what Washington Wizards paid for Trae Young. I have no heard much interest in Ja Morant elsewhere” pic.twitter.com/aXHL6qW41X
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) January 27, 2026
