Ja Morant Stays Put at the Deadline - But the Questions Around His Future Remain
As the NBA trade deadline came and went, one of the league’s most talked-about names - Ja Morant - stayed exactly where he’s been: on the Memphis Grizzlies' roster. Despite months of speculation and a growing sense that both Morant and the franchise might be open to a fresh start, no deal materialized.
For now, Morant remains in Memphis. But the uncertainty around his future isn’t going anywhere.
One team that had been linked to Morant in the rumor mill was the Miami Heat. The buzz was real - at least for a while.
But according to insider Jake Fischer, that interest may have cooled significantly in the days leading up to the deadline. Miami, it turns out, had their sights set higher.
Much higher.
“There was definitely noise and smoke; the Heat were trying to pull off both Ja and Giannis,” Fischer said. “To my understanding, the Heat weren’t really even that serious.
From the conversation I had Wednesday night, before the deadline, they hadn’t checked in on Ja for several days. They were far more preoccupied with Giannis.”
That’s right - while Morant’s name was floating through trade circles, Miami was reportedly more focused on a long-shot pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. And when it came to Morant, the Heat weren’t looking to overextend themselves.
Given his recent injury history and some well-documented off-court issues, Miami was only willing to consider a deal that made sense financially and structurally for the team. A massive package for Morant?
That wasn’t in the cards.
Even with Morant’s undeniable talent, no team stepped up with a blockbuster offer. The interest was there - how could it not be for a player of his caliber? - but the hesitation was just as strong. Teams are weighing the risk-reward calculus carefully when it comes to Morant right now.
Former NBA guard Lou Williams weighed in on Run It Back, offering a hopeful outlook for the rest of Morant’s season. “I think the Grizzlies allow him to shine and be the Ja Morant we’re accustomed to seeing,” Williams said. And that might be exactly what Morant needs - a stretch run that reminds the league just how electric he can be when he’s healthy and focused.
Morant, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, burst onto the scene with a level of explosiveness and creativity that made him must-watch TV. But the last couple of seasons have been anything but smooth.
Injuries have piled up, and this year has been no exception. The 26-year-old has played in just 20 of Memphis’ 49 games so far, averaging 19.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game.
Solid numbers, no doubt - but not quite the All-NBA level we’ve seen from him in the past.
Still, the talent hasn’t gone anywhere. And with the trade deadline behind us, Morant now has a golden opportunity.
If he can stay healthy and finish the season strong, he’ll not only help the Grizzlies build momentum but also re-establish his value across the league. Whether that leads to a long-term future in Memphis or a high-profile move in the offseason remains to be seen.
But one thing’s for sure - the Ja Morant conversation is far from over.