The Memphis Grizzlies signaled their readiness to rebuild by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. for three first-round draft picks, and the possibility of moving star guard Ja Morant is now gaining traction. Multiple teams have shown interest in Morant as the trade deadline approaches, positioning Memphis as a key player in upcoming deals. This momentum coincides with the Toronto Raptors‘ pursuit of Domantas Sabonis, opening up opportunities for multi-team negotiations.
Three-Team Trade Scenarios Involving the Raptors, Kings, and Grizzlies
With the Grizzlies willing to collaborate in trades, a potential deal could involve the Sacramento Kings acquiring Ja Morant. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, this scenario depends on Memphis agreeing to absorb Jakob Poeltl’s contract, which aligns with their rebuild objectives.
“Then again, if Memphis is to rebuild, Kleiman won’t want to take on any long-term salary,”
Siegel noted.
“The Grizzlies are solely focused on finding a way to move Morant before Thursday, which leads to the idea of the Kings being a potential suitor for the star guard if Memphis takes on Poeltl’s contract.”
?Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints
In this plan, Sacramento could offload DeMar DeRozan, who has a partial salary obligation in the upcoming offseason, while adding valuable draft compensation. Such a trade would enable the Kings to send Sabonis to Toronto without retaining Poeltl’s salary burden.
This would offer Sacramento a path to move DeRozan, who is owed only $10 million of his $25.7 million salary if waived this upcoming offseason, by adding draft compensation. Again, this is just a hypothetical path to the Kings dumping future money and striking a deal to send Sabonis to Toronto without taking on Poeltl’s contract.
?Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints
Uncertainties Surrounding the Kings’ Interest and Memphis’s Salary Cap Strategy
Despite this hypothetical proposal, it remains unclear whether the Kings are fully committed to acquiring Morant. Sacramento has already moved Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in exchange for De’Andre Hunter and may be evaluating further roster changes before the offseason. Meanwhile, Memphis aims to avoid taking on long-term salaries unless compensated with draft assets, consistent with their rebuilding goals.
Toronto Raptors’ Determination to Acquire Sabonis
The Raptors appear willing to accommodate various trade configurations as long as they secure Domantas Sabonis. This focus drives their active involvement in these negotiations involving the Grizzlies and Kings, suggesting a significant reshaping of rosters could materialize soon.
Implications for Future NBA Transactions
The unfolding Ja Morant trade rumors highlight a dynamic period for the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, and Sacramento Kings, each exploring significant roster adjustments ahead of the trade deadline. Should these complex deals come to fruition, the shifts could redefine team strategies and salary structures, especially for Memphis as it commits to rebuilding. Observers will closely watch the deadline developments to see if Morant’s move sparks a series of impactful changes within the league.
The Heat, who league sources indicate are no longer at the forefront of Giannis trade talks before Thursday's deadline, are attempting to trade for Grizzlies' Ja Morant, sources told @ClutchPoints.
There is a belief the Heat can pull off a Trae Young-like deal for Morant. https://t.co/BQQfuq51uD
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 4, 2026
