What’s Next for Ja Morant? Grizzlies Hit Pause on Trade, Eye Offseason Reset
Ja Morant is still a Memphis Grizzly-for now.
While the NBA trade deadline came and went without the two-time All-Star being moved, make no mistake: this isn’t a shift in direction for the Grizzlies. According to league sources, Memphis still plans to revisit trade talks involving Morant during the 2026 offseason. The front office may have hit pause, but they haven’t changed the channel.
This latest development comes just days after Memphis dealt Jaren Jackson Jr., continuing a clear pivot into rebuild mode. When you add in last summer’s trade of Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies have now stockpiled a war chest of seven first-round picks and a first-round swap. That kind of draft capital signals a long-term play, and the new foundation looks to be built around young talents like Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and Jaylen Wells.
But the next few months could get tricky.
Morant is currently sidelined with a sprained elbow-not a season-ending injury, but enough to complicate the Grizzlies’ short-term plans. At 20-29, Memphis is already drifting out of the play-in picture. That raises a tough question: do they keep Morant on the shelf to protect their lottery odds, or bring him back to boost his trade value?
There’s a real case for both. On one hand, sitting Morant longer than necessary could help secure a higher draft pick in what’s shaping up to be a deep class. On the other, letting him return and finish strong might be the best way to remind the league of his talent-and perhaps ease some of the concerns that have cooled his market.
And those concerns are very real. Around the league, executives are reportedly wary of Morant’s availability, attitude, and recent dip in production.
Add in the $87 million he’s owed over the next two seasons, and it’s easy to see why the offers Memphis received before the deadline didn’t move the needle. The Grizzlies were even open to taking on long-term salary if it meant landing stronger draft compensation, but the market just wasn’t there.
That doesn’t mean it won’t be this summer.
The Heat, Kings, Bucks, and Timberwolves were among the teams linked to Morant in recent days. Depending on how the postseason shakes out, that list could grow-or at least evolve. A disappointing playoff exit can force teams into bold moves, and Morant, even with the baggage, still offers game-changing upside.
So for now, Memphis waits. They’ve committed to a youth movement, and Morant’s place in that picture seems increasingly temporary. But before they turn the page entirely, the Grizzlies have one more decision to make: let Morant heal and sit, or let him hoop and remind everyone why he was once considered a franchise cornerstone.
Either way, the clock is ticking. Come summer, expect the Morant sweepstakes to heat up once again.