The NBA trade rumor mill is churning once again, and this time, Ja Morant’s name is back in the spotlight. With the February 2026 deadline fast approaching, a bold new proposal has sparked debate across the league - one that would send Morant to the Golden State Warriors in a blockbuster deal aimed at shaking up both franchises.
The Proposed Deal
According to the latest buzz, the Warriors would receive Ja Morant and Vince Williams Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies. In return, Memphis would land a significant haul: Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, and a lottery-protected 2026 first-round pick.
Let’s be clear - this isn’t a minor shuffle. This is the kind of trade that would redefine the direction of both franchises in a big way.
For Golden State, it’s about urgency. For Memphis, it’s about resetting the core.
Why Golden State Might Bite
Golden State’s interest isn’t coming out of nowhere.
With Jimmy Butler sidelined due to an ACL injury and Kuminga reportedly seeking a larger role, the Warriors are looking for a jolt - someone who can bring speed, explosiveness, and shot creation alongside Stephen Curry. Morant, even in an inconsistent season, still fits that bill.
At his best, Morant is one of the most electrifying guards in the league - a relentless downhill attacker who can collapse defenses and create chaos in transition. The idea of pairing him with Steph in the backcourt is tantalizing. It would give the Warriors a new dimension, especially as Curry continues to carry a heavy offensive load.
The Memphis Angle
For the Grizzlies, the proposed return package offers depth, shooting, and youth.
Jonathan Kuminga is the headliner - a high-upside wing with the tools to become a two-way star if given the right opportunity. Hield brings proven shooting, while Moody adds another young piece with untapped potential.
The lottery-protected pick is the cherry on top, giving Memphis a safety net for the future.
But the key here is timing. Morant’s current season hasn’t lived up to expectations.
He’s averaging 19.3 points per game but shooting under 41% from the field. Combine that with some frustration surrounding coach Tuomas Iisalo’s rotating lineups, and it’s no surprise that speculation has crept in.
The Grizzlies have also struggled to make a deep playoff run with this core. While Morant remains the face of the franchise, the front office has to consider whether this group has hit its ceiling - and whether now is the time to retool around a different mix of players.
Morant’s Stance and the Bigger Picture
Publicly, Morant has made it clear: he wants to stay in Memphis.
After a recent game against Orlando, he reiterated his loyalty to the team - a statement that briefly cooled down the trade chatter. But as we’ve seen before in the NBA, loyalty and long-term fit don’t always align.
As insider Jake Fischer pointed out, this situation isn’t unlike what we saw with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee - a superstar pledging allegiance while also subtly nudging the organization to upgrade the roster. The difference?
Milwaukee was built around Giannis in a way Memphis hasn’t quite done with Morant. The Grizzlies have shown they can stay competitive even without their star guard, which complicates the equation.
**What’s Next? **
This trade idea is loud, ambitious, and - for now - completely hypothetical. But it speaks to the broader tension in Memphis and the urgency in Golden State.
Both teams are at a crossroads, and the deadline is creeping closer by the day.
Whether this deal materializes or not, it’s clear that Ja Morant’s future will be one of the most closely watched storylines heading into February. And if the Warriors do decide to make a splash, don’t be surprised if Morant’s name stays in the mix.