The Ja Morant situation in Memphis continues to hover in that gray area between stability and uncertainty. While Morant has reportedly expressed a desire to stay with the Grizzlies past the trade deadline, that hasn’t completely silenced the chatter around his future - especially when hypothetical trades start making the rounds.
One such scenario was floated recently on Run It Back on FanDuel TV, where Lou Williams, Chandler Parsons, and Michelle Beadle tossed around a bold idea: Ja Morant teaming up with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. The proposed deal? Morant to the Bucks, with Memphis receiving Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, and a protected first-round pick in return.
Let’s break this down.
The Trade Proposal
- Milwaukee receives: Ja Morant
- Memphis receives: Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, protected first-round pick
On paper, it’s a fascinating idea - Ja and Giannis sharing the floor would be one of the most explosive guard-forward duos in the league. As Lou Williams put it, “Giannis paired with Ja looks good on paper.”
And he’s not wrong. Morant’s quick-twitch explosiveness and playmaking, combined with Giannis’ two-way dominance, would make for a nightmare matchup.
But for Memphis, this kind of move would be more than just a roster shake-up - it would be a signal. Trading Morant, the face of the franchise since 2019, would suggest a pivot toward a rebuild or at least a significant retooling. And that's a big decision, especially for a team that’s built much of its identity around Morant’s electric style and leadership on the court.
Morant’s Value and the Grizzlies’ Dilemma
Right now, Morant isn’t at peak value. He’s only played 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists while shooting 41 percent from the field. That’s a step down from his usual production, and any team looking to acquire him would be factoring in not just his numbers, but also his recent availability and overall trajectory.
For Memphis, that makes the idea of trading him now a tough sell. Selling low on a franchise cornerstone rarely ends well.
Unless Morant is actively pushing for a move - and there’s no indication that he is - the Grizzlies might be better off holding onto him, letting him get fully healthy, and seeing if he can bounce back to his All-NBA form. If that happens, his trade value climbs, and suddenly the conversation changes.
The Bucks’ Perspective
From Milwaukee’s side, this kind of move could be about more than just basketball. It’s about keeping Giannis happy and committed.
The Bucks are under pressure to show their superstar that they’re serious about contending year after year. Bringing in a dynamic guard like Morant - even one who’s had a bit of a down year - could be the kind of bold swing that signals just that.
Still, there’s no indication that the Bucks are actively pursuing Morant. This is all speculative, and the logistics of such a trade - from salary matching to long-term fit - would be complex. But the idea isn’t without merit, especially if Milwaukee feels it needs to shake things up before the 2026 offseason.
Bottom Line
The Ja Morant trade buzz isn’t deafening, but it’s not silent either. While a move before the deadline seems unlikely, it’s not off the table. Memphis has a decision to make: ride it out with Morant and hope he returns to form, or explore what the market might offer - even if the return isn’t headline-grabbing.
For now, Morant remains a Grizzly. But as we’ve seen time and time again in the NBA, things can change quickly - especially when star players and playoff aspirations are involved.