The Memphis Grizzlies are, for the first time, open to listening on potential trade scenarios involving Ja Morant as the franchise evaluates whether a broader reset is preferable to continued incremental changes.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on the All NBA Podcast that early indications suggest Memphis would be seeking at least one first-round pick if it ultimately moves its franchise guard. “The early word is that the Grizzlies are hoping for at least one first if they trade Ja Morant,” Stein said.
Stein also raised skepticism about whether that asking price can be met, citing the recent market for star guards. He referenced the precedent set when Trae Young was dealt to the Washington Wizards primarily for an expiring contract and a role player (CJ McCollum and Corey Kisper), a comparison that has resonated in league circles.
Morant, 26, remains under contract through the 2027–28 season and is in the third year of a five-year, $197 million deal. His long-term salary structure complicates negotiations but also provides cost certainty for teams seeking a controllable star.
On the court, Morant has averaged 19.0 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds across 18 games this season. His efficiency has dipped, including a .401 field-goal percentage and .208 from three, as Memphis continues to search for consistency.
The Grizzlies currently sit 10th in the Western Conference at 17–22, placing them in the middle tier of a competitive playoff race. Memphis ranks near league average offensively but has struggled to sustain momentum against top-tier opponents.
Notably, Morant was eligible for a contract extension during the most recent offseason, yet no serious negotiations took place. The front office opted for patience, choosing to reassess once it had a clearer picture of roster fit and trajectory.
That approach mirrors the path taken by the Atlanta Hawks before eventually sending Young to the Washington Wizards. League executives have cited that sequence as an example of how delayed clarity can shift leverage closer to the deadline.
By quietly signaling a willingness to listen ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, Memphis has altered how rival teams view Morant’s availability. Conversations that previously stalled at the exploratory stage are now progressing with more substance.
