The NBA trade rumor mill is heating up, and this time, it's swirling around one of the league’s most electrifying talents: Ja Morant. According to multiple league sources, the Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly shown a willingness to explore trade options for their star point guard. That’s a seismic shift for a franchise that, not long ago, was building its future around Morant’s explosive playmaking and leadership.
The timing is notable. Morant, who’s been sidelined recently due to injury, was also caught in a tense exchange with teammate Vince Williams Jr. during a recent Grizzlies practice. While emotions can run high in any competitive environment, especially when a season isn’t going as planned, the incident has only added fuel to the speculation fire.
One team that keeps popping up in trade chatter? The Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks have championship aspirations and a narrow window to maximize the prime years of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Adding a dynamic backcourt partner like Morant would be a bold swing - and it sounds like Milwaukee has at least kicked the tires on the possibility.
According to league insider Michael Scotto, Memphis has set a high asking price. The Grizzlies are reportedly eyeing a future first-round pick - either in 2031 or 2032 - and emerging guard Ryan Rollins, who’s been a breakout candidate for Most Improved Player this season. Rollins has been a bright spot for Milwaukee, showing major strides in efficiency and confidence, so parting with him wouldn’t be a light decision.
But that’s not all. To make the financials work under the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Bucks would likely need to include additional contracts - and that’s where things get tricky.
Forwards Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis have both been floated as potential pieces to balance the books. Milwaukee has reportedly been gauging their trade value across the league, and while including either one would help a deal get done, it would also put a dent in the Bucks’ frontcourt depth.
That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially in a conference where size and versatility up front can make or break playoff runs.
The Bucks have already shown they’re willing to go all-in to keep Giannis surrounded by high-level talent. The question is whether they’re ready to push even more chips to the center of the table for a player like Morant - who, for all his upside, comes with some baggage and uncertainty.
Still, in a league where star movement can shift the balance of power overnight, Milwaukee’s interest isn’t surprising. With the trade deadline looming, this is a storyline worth watching closely. If the Grizzlies are serious about moving Morant, and if the Bucks are willing to pay up, we could be looking at one of the most impactful deals of the season.