Pelicans Reportedly Interested in Ja Morant as Grizzlies Open Trade Talks
The New Orleans Pelicans may be looking to make a splash ahead of the trade deadline-and they’ve got their eyes on one of the league’s most electric guards. According to a new report, the Pelicans have shown interest in acquiring two-time All-Star Ja Morant, with the Memphis Grizzlies reportedly open to hearing offers.
This development comes as part of a broader league trend. Multiple teams-including the Heat, Bucks, Kings, Raptors, and Pelicans-have reportedly reached out to Memphis to gauge the asking price for Morant, despite a recent dip in his on-court production.
That dip, however, hasn’t dulled the intrigue around Morant’s upside. When healthy and locked in, he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league-a walking highlight reel with elite athleticism and fearless shot creation.
For New Orleans, this interest appears to be more than just due diligence. The Pelicans have reportedly inquired about a potential “buy-low” opportunity, a sign that the front office could be exploring ways to add star power without gutting the roster.
However, they’ve also made it clear that their prized young pieces-rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen-are off the table. Both are considered foundational parts of the team’s future, and New Orleans has reportedly communicated to other teams that they’re untouchable in trade talks.
That stance aligns with recent reports indicating the Pelicans intend to keep their core intact beyond the trade deadline. That core includes Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones, in addition to the aforementioned rookies. It’s a group that’s shown flashes of high-level potential, and the front office appears to be walking the line between building for the future and competing now.
As for Morant, the Miami Heat have long been rumored to be his preferred landing spot. But despite the buzz, Miami is reportedly not in the mix-at least not right now.
According to league insiders, the Heat are focused on a longer-term strategy that centers around the 2028 free agency class, when big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Donovan Mitchell could hit the market. That means any short-term pursuit of Morant is unlikely, despite the rumors that have been circulating in recent weeks.
So where does that leave things? For now, Memphis seems willing to listen, and New Orleans is one of several teams doing their homework. Whether that turns into a serious offer remains to be seen, but the Pelicans’ interest signals they’re not content to stand pat.
Omar Muhammad, 14-Year-Old Phenom, Continues to Turn Heads
Meanwhile, on the grassroots basketball scene, a name that’s quickly becoming familiar to scouts and fans alike is Omar Muhammad. The 14-year-old eighth grader is already drawing national attention-and Division I offers.
Muhammad, who plays for Reyburn Intermediate, recently lit up social media with a new highlight reel showcasing his explosive athleticism and polished skill set. According to a post he shared in December, he’s already received offers from major programs like Kansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Arizona State, and Rutgers. That’s right-before even hitting high school, Muhammad has high-major schools lining up.
He’s widely projected to be one of the top recruits in the Class of 2030, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could be eligible for the 2031 NBA Draft-assuming he meets the league’s age and education requirements. Under current rules, players must be at least 19 years old during the draft year and one year removed from high school.
Muhammad’s rapid rise is already having ripple effects. His presence is likely boosting the perceived value of future first-round picks in the 2031 draft and beyond-a key consideration for rebuilding teams looking to stockpile assets now. If you’re a front office executive planning for the long haul, names like Muhammad are already shaping how you think about the future.
It's still early, but the buzz around this eighth grader is real. And if his development continues at this pace, we could be witnessing the early chapters of a very special basketball story.