The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to increase efforts to trade Ja Morant ahead of the NBA deadline, even as league-wide interest remains limited, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
Mannix reported Wednesday that Memphis is exploring ways to move the 26-year-old guard despite a subdued market shaped by concerns over availability, attitude and declining production.
The Grizzlies, who sit 11th in the Western Conference at 19-29, hold significant flexibility with 12 first-round picks over the next seven years, which reduces pressure to extract maximum value in any potential deal.
“Expect Memphis to ramp up its efforts to move Ja Morant,” Mannix wrote, adding that the organization may prioritize a clean reset rather than waiting for a stronger return.
Morant is in the third season of a five-year, $197 million contract and is averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in 28.5 minutes, shooting 41.0 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from three across 20 games.
League sources cited by Mannix indicated Sacramento, Miami and Minnesota as potential destinations, though movement could hinge on Milwaukee’s decision regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo and the broader trade landscape.
Memphis recently accelerated its rebuilding direction by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah in a multi-player deal that brought additional draft capital.
Without Jackson anchoring the defense, the Grizzlies’ roster construction now leans heavily on young wings and rotational guards, including Santi Aldama and Jaylen Wells, which may reduce the urgency to build around Morant’s timeline.
Rival executives believe Memphis’ willingness to absorb a smaller return reflects confidence in its draft assets and a desire to reshape the offense around a more balanced, ball-movement approach.
Interest from playoff-level teams remains cautious, as franchises weigh Morant’s playmaking upside against the risk tied to his recent availability and offensive efficiency.
If the Grizzlies finalize a deal before Thursday, it would mark one of the most significant roster pivots of the season and potentially reshape the Western Conference playoff race.
