Ja Morant Trade Rumors Swirl as Grizzlies Navigate Uncertain Future
The NBA rumor mill is heating up, and once again, Ja Morant finds himself at the center of it. The former All-Star guard, once hailed as one of the league’s brightest young stars, is now the subject of increasing trade chatter as the Memphis Grizzlies try to navigate a season that’s already veering off course.
Morant’s 2025 campaign has been anything but smooth. Battling injuries and inconsistencies, his on-court production has dipped noticeably across the board.
The explosiveness is still there in flashes, but the overall impact - the dynamic, game-changing presence he once brought every night - has been harder to find. Whether it's rust, rhythm, or something deeper, Morant hasn't looked like the player who once electrified the league and had Memphis dreaming big.
That said, there’s still belief around the league that a fresh start could help reignite his career. According to recent reporting, league insiders have been circling the idea of a “change-of-scenery” swap - think one franchise trading its own struggling former All-Star for another. Names like Trae Young and Zach LaVine have reportedly been floated in hypothetical deals, suggesting that teams might be more willing to take a chance on Morant if they can unload a similarly complicated asset in return.
But it’s not just about talent anymore. Morant’s trade value is being weighed against a trio of concerns: his hefty contract (nearly $87 million over the next two seasons), his injury history, and the off-court controversies that have clouded his reputation.
Put that all together, and rival executives reportedly see this as a buyer’s market. In short: the shine has worn off, and teams aren’t lining up with blockbuster offers - at least not yet.
It’s a stunning shift for a player who, not long ago, was considered a potential face of the league. Morant’s fearless drives, highlight-reel dunks, and infectious energy once made him must-watch TV.
But as the Grizzlies have slid down the standings over the past three seasons, and as Morant’s availability and consistency have wavered, the narrative has changed. Now, instead of leading Memphis into the next era of Western Conference contention, he’s fighting to reclaim his footing - both in the league and within his own team.
As of now, Memphis sits at 9-12. Not a death sentence by any means, but certainly not where they hoped to be nearly six weeks into the season.
With Morant sidelined, the team has struggled to find rhythm or identity. But the door isn’t closed yet.
If Morant can get healthy and return to something resembling his 2022 form, there’s still a path forward - for both the Grizzlies and his own career trajectory.
And if that happens? The trade calculus changes.
A rejuvenated Morant could shift the market entirely, turning a buyer’s market into a bidding war. But that’s a big “if.”
For now, Memphis is stuck in the in-between - waiting to see which version of Ja Morant they’re going to get, and what that means for their future.