The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t move Ja Morant at the trade deadline - but don’t mistake that for a long-term commitment.
According to reports, the Grizzlies still plan to explore trade options for Morant during the 2026 offseason. Holding onto him now wasn’t a change in philosophy - it was a matter of timing. The direction is clear: Memphis is rebuilding, and the pivot is already well underway.
They’ve made that obvious with a pair of blockbuster moves involving Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., which netted the Grizzlies seven first-round picks and a first-round swap. That’s a franchise reshaping itself in real time, and the foundation is already shifting toward a younger core. Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and Jaylen Wells are now front and center in the Grizzlies’ long-term vision.
As for Morant, things get complicated. He’s currently sidelined with a sprained elbow - not a season-ending injury, but one that gives the team some flexibility in how they manage his return.
With Memphis sitting at 20-29 and on the outside looking in at the play-in tournament, there’s a case to be made for playing the long game. That could mean easing Morant back slowly, preserving both his health and the team’s lottery odds.
But there’s another layer to this. Morant’s trade value has taken a hit this season, clouded by injuries, inconsistency, and questions about his availability and leadership.
Teams around the league are reportedly wary - not just because of the elbow, but because of the overall picture. Morant still has a hefty price tag attached to his max contract, and that’s not an easy sell when there are concerns about production and presence.
That’s likely why the deadline came and went without a deal. But the offseason is a different animal.
Teams that fall short in the playoffs often come back to the table more aggressive, more willing to take a swing. Memphis is banking on that.
They’re betting that with time - and maybe a strong finish to the season from Morant - the market will shift in their favor.
For now, the Grizzlies are walking a tightrope. They’ve made their intentions clear, but they’re not rushing the process. They’re playing the long game - and hoping that patience pays off.