Following the trade of Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, the Memphis Grizzlies appear poised for further changes. Reports indicate that the team is actively exploring trade options for star point guard Ja Morant ahead of Thursday’s deadline, signaling a potential shift in the franchise’s direction.
Interest in Ja Morant Intensifies Across the League
During a SportsCenter segment, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that multiple teams remain interested in acquiring Ja Morant.
“The Grizzlies’ conversations around Ja Morant and entertaining offers [are] continuing around the league,”
Charania stated.
“There’s multiple teams with interest in Ja Morant.”
This renewed activity suggests that Memphis is evaluating its assets closely as it considers building for the future beyond its current core.
Impact of Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade on Morant Market Value
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst weighed in on the shifting dynamics of Morant’s trade value following the blockbuster Jaren Jackson Jr. deal.
“I talk to executives around the league, they think that this changes what [the Grizzlies] can expect back in a Ja Morant trade,”
Windhorst explained.
“Instead of trying to trade Ja for as much value as they can which frankly there’s not as much value for Ja.”
This shift reflects a perceived decrease in the leverage the Grizzlies hold with Morant on the market, potentially affecting trade negotiations.
Trade Discussions Involving Sacramento Kings and Overall Rebuild Signals
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Sacramento Kings have not ruled out pursuing Morant, though prior to Jackson’s trade, the chances of a deal were believed to be very low. Earlier reports by Charania last month noted visible tension between Morant and head coach Tuomas Iisalo, which may be motivating Memphis to explore a roster overhaul.
The Grizzlies initiated this new direction last offseason by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, and moving Jackson underscores a stronger commitment to rebuilding. Charania highlighted this strategy:
“We’ve seen with Desmond Bane and now with Jaren Jackson Jr., this is a Grizzlies organization that is prioritizing their young core. They had a few years of success here with Memphis, made some runs, this team looked like it had some promise, but they’re now officially turning the page on this and stocking up with draft capital. But the Ja Morant trade conversations between now and Thursday’s deadline are continuing to heat up and are continuing to go on.”
Memphis Sets Sights on Draft Capital Amid Ongoing Trade Talks
The Grizzlies have accumulated seven first-round draft picks from recent trades, including those for Jackson and Bane, poised to enhance their rebuilding efforts. Should they trade Morant, this haul would grow substantially, reinforcing their commitment to long-term team construction.
Given this clear focus on retooling, the possibility that Morant will leave Memphis appears increasingly likely before Thursday’s trade deadline, marking a significant turning point for the franchise.
Windy on the JJJ trade:
"I talk to executives around the league, they think that this changes what they can expect back in a Ja Morant trade. Instead of trying to trade Ja for as much value as they can which frankly there's not as much value for Ja" pic.twitter.com/soLyg6LKXU
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 3, 2026
