The Memphis Grizzlies are setting a high bar in any potential Ja Morant trade - and they’re not shy about it. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Memphis is looking for a package that includes a young player and a first-round pick. That’s a significantly steeper ask than what the Atlanta Hawks got in return for Trae Young, who was moved for a package headlined by CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert - solid veterans, but not exactly franchise-changers.
The Grizzlies’ stance says two things at once: they still believe in Morant’s upside, and they know his value has taken a hit. It’s a tricky balance.
On one hand, Morant is a former All-NBA guard who hasn’t even hit his prime - he’s still under 27. On the other, his availability has been a persistent issue, and when he has been on the floor, it hasn’t always been the explosive, game-changing version of Morant we saw earlier in his career.
So while Memphis’ asking price might seem modest for a player of his ceiling, the reality is that his market isn’t exactly buzzing.
Finding a Trade Partner Is Easier Said Than Done
Despite what seems like a manageable price tag - especially when you consider Morant's age and contract - the Grizzlies are having a hard time finding serious suitors. Stein noted on SiriusXM’s Dunks and Deals that it’s “hard to pinpoint clear-cut suitors” for Morant right now.
Miami has been mentioned as a team with interest, and there’s reportedly been some level of dialogue between the Heat and Grizzlies. But even that comes with caveats.
The Heat are known for being opportunistic - they’ll pounce if the price is right, but they’re not in the business of overpaying. And with Morant, there are real questions about fit.
Miami already has a crowded guard room with Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, and Davion Mitchell. Morant would obviously bring a higher ceiling than any of those players, but it’s not just about talent - it’s about scheme.
There’s also a bit of awkward history here. Miami assistant coach Noah LaRoche was heavily involved in designing Memphis’ offense last season - the same offense Morant reportedly didn’t vibe with. So unless the Heat are planning to overhaul their system to accommodate Morant’s ball-dominant style, it’s hard to see them going all-in.
That leaves the Grizzlies in a tough spot. If Miami isn’t willing to meet the asking price, and no other team is stepping up, Memphis could be forced to lower its expectations - or hold onto Morant longer than they’d like.
The Clock Is Ticking on Morant’s Trade Value
Here’s the tough truth: Ja Morant’s value isn’t trending up. Over the past three seasons, he’s missed more than half of Memphis’ regular-season games.
His three-point shot hasn’t developed, his rim pressure is down, and his defense remains a liability. And none of that gets better when he’s not playing.
Availability is a skill in today’s NBA, and Morant hasn’t shown enough of it. Combine that with the sense that both sides are ready to move on, and Memphis has lost a good chunk of its leverage. It’s hard to negotiate from a position of strength when everyone knows you’re trying to move a player who hasn’t been on the court consistently - and whose team seems ready to turn the page.
The best-case scenario for the Grizzlies might be giving Morant a runway to rebuild his value on the court. That’s risky, of course.
If he continues to struggle - or worse, if there’s another setback - Memphis could find itself with even fewer options. But if he can string together a stretch of healthy, high-level play, that young-player-and-a-first-rounder package might not feel so far-fetched.
Still Worth More Than Trae Young’s Return?
Even with all the complications, Morant’s trade profile still stacks up favorably compared to what Atlanta got for Trae Young. Morant is on a cheaper deal, with an extra year of team control. And while both players have their flaws, Morant’s upside - when healthy and engaged - is still tantalizing.
But let’s be real: “more than what Atlanta got for Trae” is a pretty low bar. The Grizzlies aren’t looking for a king’s ransom.
They just want a young piece to build with and a future pick to help reset their timeline. That’s not unreasonable - but it’s far from guaranteed.
Unless Morant can start changing the narrative - starting with Sunday’s game in London against Orlando - Memphis may find that even a modest return is hard to come by.