The Memphis Grizzlies appear poised to trade two-time All-Star Ja Morant as they focus on rebuilding their roster. With the trade deadline approaching, the franchise aims to find the best offer available, weighing options from various teams keen to acquire the 26-year-old guard.
Following the recent trade of Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, Memphis has clearly set a course toward a rebuild, and Morant’s exit seems increasingly inevitable. The Grizzlies are prioritizing draft capital and future assets, making Morant’s trade a significant part of their strategy. Their decision will ultimately hinge on the highest value deal presented to the organization.
Memphis’ Strategy and Trade Priorities
The Grizzlies have officially entered a fire sale phase, motivated by their goal to maximize returns for Morant. Kelly Iko, a Yahoo Sports reporter, shared that Memphis is
“seeking the best deal strictly for the organization.”
Morant and his representatives have weighed in on potential destinations as well. Iko later clarified,
“With 24 hours to go until the trade deadline, Grizzlies guard Ja Morant and his camp are disinterested with the idea of playing in Sacramento, with a strong preference for Miami or Minnesota in the event he is dealt.”
The Grizzlies’ rebuilding approach has already included turning Desmond Bane into four first-round draft picks last offseason and acquiring three more first-round selections from the Utah Jazz. These moves emphasize their commitment to accumulating draft capital, which will heavily influence offers for Morant.
Decline in Morant’s Trade Value Amidst Challenges
Ja Morant once stood out as a fast-rising star, captivating fans with his electrifying dunks and dynamic playing style. However, injuries, suspensions, and off-court issues have sidelined him repeatedly over the last four seasons, reducing his overall impact. Even this year, the Grizzlies suspended Morant for one game in November, highlighting ongoing concerns.
Statistically, Morant’s performance has dipped this season. He is averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game, but his shooting efficiency has decreased sharply. During his All-Star seasons, he combined to shoot 47.9% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range, averaging 26.8 points and 7.4 assists. By contrast, this season he is shooting only 41% from the field and a struggling 23.5% beyond the arc.
The combination of injuries and inconsistent play has caused Morant’s trade value to slide. Jake Fischer reported that
“Memphis officials apparently eager now to just move on from its longtime Face of the Franchise.”
Potential Landing Spots for Ja Morant
With the trade deadline imminent, it is widely expected that Morant will be traded, though his next team remains uncertain. Initial reports had linked him strongly with the Sacramento Kings. Kevin O’Connor noted that the Kings
“remain the team most strongly connected to Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.”
Nevertheless, Morant’s camp has shown clear preference for the Miami Heat or Minnesota Timberwolves, complicating possible trade outcomes. Given Memphis’s commitment to securing the best offer, Morant could land with any team willing to meet their demands.
The Miami Heat appear to be the most probable destination as things stand. Brett Siegel of Clutch Sports revealed that Miami is aiming to structure a trade similar to the one Washington Wizards used to acquire Trae Young. However, Siegel also emphasized that
“Grizzlies do want draft compensation for Morant and are widely expected to take the first deal they can involving a first-round pick.”
This insistence on receiving draft picks indicates Memphis is sharply focused on future assets, which may make negotiations with teams like Miami more complex and prolonged. The final outcome will likely have significant implications for both Morant’s career trajectory and the Grizzlies’ rebuilding process.
The Memphis Grizzlies will NOT work with Ja Morant to send him to his preferred destination, per @KellyIko
They will send him to the team with the best offer. pic.twitter.com/BBOQU9nXv7
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2026
Memphis is not working with Morant in the same manner as other stars like Harden and Giannis have done with their respective teams in trade talks, sources say. The Grizzlies are seeking the best deal strictly for the organization. https://t.co/cc2dgOp6QU
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) February 4, 2026
With 24 hours to go until the trade deadline, Grizzlies guard Ja Morant and his camp are disinterested with the idea of playing in Sacramento, with a strong preference for Miami or Minnesota in the event he is dealt, sources tell @YahooSports. https://t.co/1iI3xhfms0
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) February 4, 2026
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
Sources: The Kings remain the team most strongly connected to Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. Sacramento views Morant as a high-upside player who could return to star status with a change of scenery. The Heat are among teams engaged as well.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) February 4, 2026
There is a belief that the Heat can pull off a Trae Young–type trade for Ja Morant, per @BrettSiegelNBA pic.twitter.com/xhGVOEU8IW
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2026
