Ja Morant Trade Rumors: What the Grizzlies Might Get Back-and What It Says About His Market
It wasn’t long ago that Ja Morant was seen as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars-a two-time All-Star with explosive athleticism, elite playmaking, and the kind of charisma that could carry a franchise. But fast forward to now, and the Memphis Grizzlies appear ready to move on from the player they once hoped would define their future.
According to recent reports, Memphis is open to trading Morant before the season ends, and the asking price might be lower than you'd expect for a player of his caliber. While Morant’s talent is still undeniable, his value around the league has taken a hit.
Whether it’s due to off-court concerns, injury history, or questions about long-term fit, teams aren’t lining up with blockbuster offers. Instead, the Grizzlies are reportedly seeking a young player, a first-round pick, and matching salary in return.
That’s not nothing-but it’s also a far cry from the kind of haul a player with Morant’s résumé might’ve commanded just a couple of years ago.
Let’s take a closer look at three trade scenarios that have been floated-and what they tell us about where Morant’s market stands right now.
Trade Proposal No. 1: Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks receive:
- Ja Morant
- Jock Landale
Grizzlies receive:
- Ryan Rollins
- Bobby Portis
- Kyle Kuzma
- 2031 first-round pick
This deal would give Milwaukee a dynamic backcourt partner for Giannis Antetokounmpo and a legitimate second star who can take over games. Morant’s ability to push the pace and create offense would add a new dimension to a Bucks team that’s already built to contend. Adding Jock Landale as a depth piece helps offset the loss of Portis and Kuzma, who have been more rotational than foundational this season.
For Memphis, this is about resetting. Rollins is the young player with upside, and the 2031 first-rounder gives them future flexibility.
Kuzma and Portis are likely more about salary matching and short-term roster balance than long-term building blocks. But if the Grizzlies are serious about moving on from Morant, this kind of return-youth, a pick, and some veteran contracts-might be about as good as it gets.
Trade Proposal No. 2: Minnesota Timberwolves
Timberwolves receive:
- Ja Morant
- Jock Landale
Grizzlies receive:
- Naz Reid
- Mike Conley
- Rob Dillingham
- Bones Hyland
- 2027 first-round pick
This one’s a bit more complex but intriguing on both sides. Minnesota would be betting big on Morant's upside, pairing him with Anthony Edwards in a backcourt that could be as explosive as any in the league.
The cost? Naz Reid, one of the league’s most underrated bigs, veteran floor general Mike Conley, and a pair of young guards in Dillingham and Hyland.
For Memphis, this trade would be about depth and development. Dillingham fits the mold of a young guard with star potential, while Reid gives them a versatile big who can space the floor.
Conley, a franchise legend, could provide leadership in the locker room and help mentor the next wave of Grizzlies talent. Hyland adds another dynamic scorer to the mix.
And that 2027 pick? It could be a valuable chip in a future deal-or a building block in its own right.
Trade Proposal No. 3: Phoenix Suns
Suns receive:
- Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive:
- Jalen Green
- 2027 first-round pick
This is the cleanest of the three proposals, and maybe the boldest. Phoenix would be swapping potential for proven production, trading the high-upside but inconsistent Jalen Green and a future first for a player who, when right, can be a game-changer. Morant’s downhill attacking style would bring a different flavor to a Suns offense that leans heavily on Devin Booker’s shot creation and Kevin Durant’s scoring gravity.
If Morant clicks in Phoenix, this could be the kind of move that puts them over the top. But it’s not without risk-both on and off the court. Green, meanwhile, gives Memphis a young wing with scoring potential, and the first-round pick adds another asset to the war chest.
The Bigger Picture
What’s clear in all these scenarios is that Ja Morant’s trade value has shifted. He’s no longer the untouchable franchise cornerstone he once was.
But he’s also not a throw-in or a pure salary dump. Teams still believe in the talent.
They just want to hedge their bets.
For Memphis, this is a pivotal moment. They’re trying to retool on the fly-get younger, stay competitive, and build around a new core. Whether that means fully rebuilding or just reshuffling the deck remains to be seen.
For Morant, a trade could be the fresh start he needs. Sometimes, a new city, a new system, and a new locker room can reignite a career. And if he finds the right fit, he’s still capable of being one of the league’s most electrifying players.
The question now is: who’s willing to take that swing?