Ja Morant Drawing Trade Interest, But Grizzlies Playing the Long Game
The Memphis Grizzlies might not be making any panic moves, but they’re definitely picking up the phone. With multiple teams expressing interest in Ja Morant, the Grizzlies are reportedly “wide open for business” when it comes to exploring deals for their star point guard. But here’s the key: any potential trade involving Morant isn’t expected to materialize immediately - and that has everything to do with the bigger domino potentially falling elsewhere.
According to reporting, teams like the Miami Heat have eyes on both Morant and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. And understandably, Giannis is the kind of player who shifts the entire landscape of a franchise.
So for now, Morant is sitting behind that priority on Miami’s trade board. If the Bucks make Giannis available - a big “if” - Miami and other contenders will likely wait to see how that situation plays out before turning their attention back to Morant.
That said, Memphis holds a strong hand. Morant is under contract for two more seasons beyond this one, which gives the Grizzlies leverage that Atlanta didn’t have in recent dealings with Trae Young, who holds a player option for next year.
Translation: Memphis doesn’t have to rush anything. They can afford to wait for the right offer - the kind that matches Morant’s on-court impact and long-term value.
Morant, currently sidelined with an elbow sprain, is expected to miss at least two more weeks, which means he’ll be unavailable past the trade deadline. That complicates any potential deal in the short term, but it doesn’t diminish the interest. Even in limited action this season, the two-time All-Star has averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists, reminding everyone why he remains one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers when healthy.
Houston Adjusts After Steven Adams Injury
Over in Houston, the Rockets are dealing with a tough blow to their frontcourt depth. Steven Adams is set to undergo season-ending ankle surgery, forcing the team to pivot - and fast. Clint Capela is expected to shoulder a heavier load in Adams’ absence, but don’t expect head coach Ime Udoka to replicate the same two-big looks he used with Adams and Alperen Sengun.
Udoka made it clear: the Rockets aren’t desperate, but they’re listening. “People are calling non-stop,” he said, when asked about potential moves before the trade deadline.
“It depends on what’s out there. But I think we are totally fine going with Clint and our small-ball lineups if need be.
Let’s see what shakes out.”
That’s a confident stance from a coach who believes in his roster’s flexibility. Capela gives them a traditional rim protector and rebounder, while Sengun continues to evolve into one of the more unique offensive hubs at the five. The Rockets may not be scrambling, but they’re staying ready - and in this league, that’s half the battle.
Memphis Guard Depth Getting a Boost
The Grizzlies have been navigating an injury-plagued season, particularly in the backcourt, but help may be on the way. Guards Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. have both been assigned to the Memphis Hustle, the team’s G League affiliate, as they work toward making their season debuts.
For Jerome, the G League stint is a chance to get some game reps under his belt before potentially returning to NBA action in the coming week. Pippen, meanwhile, is still a couple of weeks away from returning after undergoing toe surgery during the offseason.
The 25-year-old is in the second year of a four-year, $9.6 million deal and has proven to be a steady contributor when healthy. Over his last two seasons in Memphis, he’s averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 assists per game, shooting a highly efficient .483 from the field and .402 from deep in just over 22 minutes per night.
If both guards can get back on the court soon, it would provide a much-needed boost to a Memphis rotation that’s been stretched thin.
Zach Edey’s Recovery Progressing, But Timeline Still Unclear
There’s also cautious optimism surrounding Zach Edey’s recovery. The second-year center has been out since early December with a stress reaction in his ankle, and while he’s still a few weeks away from being reevaluated, medical experts are optimistic about his long-term outlook.
According to orthopedic specialists, the ligaments in Edey’s ankle have healed and are stable, which is an important step. The stress reaction - essentially a precursor to a stress fracture - is more about allowing the bone time to heal than addressing any structural instability.
“Once the bone heals, he should be able to get back out there and do whatever he needs to do,” said Dr. Kenneth Jung of Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics.
Another expert, Dr. Nicholas Strasser of Vanderbilt University, added that while it’s certainly a concern, it’s more about patience than panic.
“Sometimes it just needs time to heal and respond,” he said. “You wish you could speed it up, but the human body just needs time.”
For now, the Grizzlies - and their fans - will have to wait. But the signs are pointing in the right direction for Edey’s eventual return.
Bottom Line
The Grizzlies are at a crossroads. Between trade rumors swirling around Morant, the return of key guards, and Edey’s recovery, there’s a lot in motion.
But Memphis is holding firm. They’re not rushing into anything - and with the leverage they hold and the young talent they’re nurturing, they don’t have to.
Meanwhile, in Houston, the Rockets are navigating adversity with a clear-headed approach. Losing Adams is a blow, no doubt, but they believe in their core - and they’re not afraid to go small if that’s what the situation calls for.
As the trade deadline approaches, both teams are keeping their options open. And in the ever-shifting landscape of the NBA, that’s exactly where you want to be.