The Memphis Grizzlies shocked the NBA community by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, hinting at a possible team rebuild. With this move, attention now centers on Ja Morant as the franchise considers whether to reshape its roster fundamentally in the coming days. This Ja Morant trade update highlights a significant shift in Memphis’ direction.
Sources close to the situation, including Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, indicate that the Grizzlies are moving quickly toward rebuilding without Morant. According to these insiders, Memphis has lowered the asking price for their star point guard substantially, signaling their willingness to part ways in favor of developing younger talent.
Multiple rival teams have said this week that the Grizzlies’ asking price for Morant has dropped dramatically, with Memphis officials apparently eager now to just move on from its longtime Face of the Franchise to truly launch their rebuild around second-year big man Zach Edey and rookie swingman Cedric Coward,
reported by the insiders.
Emerging Young Players Lead Memphis’ New Direction
Memphis selected Cedric Coward as the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft following a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers. In his rookie season, Coward has averaged 13.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He quickly secured a starting role, demonstrating defensive versatility and offensive skill that suggest he will be central to Memphis’ future.
Zach Edey, despite being limited to 11 games because of offseason foot surgery and an ankle stress reaction, has shown promise as a dominant presence. In just 25.8 minutes on the floor, the 7-foot-3 center averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Although concerns about his long-term health remain, Edey’s impact when active makes him a key piece in the rebuilding puzzle.
Ja Morant’s Impact and Challenges During His Tenure in Memphis
Ja Morant spent seven seasons with the Grizzlies and emerged as a franchise cornerstone after earning the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year award. He grew into an NBA star by 2021, featuring in two All-Star games and helping lead Memphis to two consecutive 51+ win seasons. Yet, despite regular-season success, playoff breakthroughs proved elusive. The team has yet to advance past the second round since falling to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 conference semifinals.
Morant’s progression faced setbacks due to injuries and off-court issues. He is currently sidelined by a UCL sprain in his left elbow and has experienced a decline in performance. His 19.5 points per game this season mark his lowest scoring average since his second year, with shooting percentages at a career low of 41.0% from the field and 23% from three-point range.
Why Miami Heat May See Value in Acquiring Ja Morant
Morant’s reduced productivity and injury risks have created an opportunity for teams to consider acquiring him at a lower cost. The Grizzlies appear willing to accept a cheaper return than previously anticipated to accelerate their rebuild.
The Miami Heat have expressed interest in Morant amid their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. If they cannot secure the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, Morant offers an alternative solution to strengthen their roster. Notably, acquiring Morant would not require Miami to trade Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, or multiple first-round draft picks, making the deal more feasible.
Morant’s aggressive slashing, ability to score in transition, and strong court vision would complement Miami’s fast-paced offense, addressing a crucial need for dynamic playmaking.
The Grizzlies have dramatically dropped their asking price for Ja Morant and are eager to ship him out to start a rebuild around Zach Edey and Cedric Coward, per @TheSteinLine & @JakeLFischer
“Yet multiple rival teams have said this week that the Grizzlies' asking price for… pic.twitter.com/urHGnxax5M
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2026
