Ja Morant’s time with the Memphis Grizzlies could be nearing an end, with league sources expecting the All-Star guard to be traded this week, according to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports. The latest update comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Memphis’ direction and Morant’s future with the franchise.
“Sources say the Heat had interest in Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant before the Giannis deal, but there is not much expectation that he will get bought out. In fact, league sources expect Morant to be traded this week,” O’Connor reported on Sunday.
The Grizzlies entered the offseason already positioned for a major roster reset. Memphis moved on from key pieces of its previous core, trading Desmond Bane to Orlando in 2025 and sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah in February 2026. Morant remained as the last major piece from the team’s previous playoff-era foundation.
Earlier in June, Evan Sidery reported that Memphis was expected to explore a Morant trade within the next month and that the relationship between the two sides had not been repaired. The Grizzlies’ decision appears tied to a broader shift toward building around younger players and draft assets rather than attempting another immediate playoff push.
Morant’s 2025-26 season was limited to 20 games, but he still averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists while shooting 41.0% from the field. His 23.5% three-point shooting remained a concern, but his free-throw shooting stayed elite at 89.7%, highlighting his ability to create pressure and generate efficient scoring opportunities.
Memphis finished 25-57, ranking 13th in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs after years as a postseason contender. The Grizzlies’ decline followed multiple roster changes and injuries that reshaped the team around Morant.
The organization’s next phase is expected to center on younger talent, including 2026 No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer and other recent additions such as Zach Edey, Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells. Moving Morant would likely accelerate that transition while adding future assets to the roster.
The Miami Heat previously showed interest in Morant before acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they may not be the only team involved. A trade market for a 26-year-old guard with Morant’s playmaking ability could develop quickly, especially with teams looking for a primary offensive creator.
A move this week would close the chapter on Morant’s run as the face of the Grizzlies. He helped lead Memphis back into relevance earlier in his career, but the franchise now appears ready to build around a new timeline.
