If the Memphis Grizzlies have their way, Ja Morant’s time in Beale Street blue could be winding down. Once hailed as a future face of the NBA, the explosive point guard now finds himself at the center of trade rumors - and by the sound of it, Memphis is ready to move on.
Morant still has the talent that made him a two-time All-Star. That much isn’t in question.
But between injuries, off-court issues, and the emergence of new stars around the league, his stock has taken a hit. The Grizzlies, who once built their identity around his electric playmaking and fearless drives to the rim, are reportedly willing to deal him for a relatively modest return: a young player, a first-round pick, and matching salary.
That’s a far cry from what Morant might’ve commanded a year or two ago. And if the recent Trae Young trade is any indication - a deal that largely amounted to a salary dump - the market for high-usage, high-risk point guards isn’t what it used to be.
But here’s the thing: Morant is still only 26, and when he’s locked in, he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league. A change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to reset his career. And for teams looking to take a swing on upside, the price might be too good to pass up.
Let’s take a look at a few realistic trade scenarios currently being floated - and what they might mean for both sides.
Trade Proposal No. 1: Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks Receive:
- Ja Morant
- Jock Landale
Grizzlies Receive:
- Ryan Rollins
- Bobby Portis
- Kyle Kuzma
- 2031 first-round pick
This is the kind of deal that would turn heads - and for the Bucks, it could be a game-changer. Pairing Morant with Giannis Antetokounmpo would give Milwaukee one of the most athletic duos in the league, not to mention a serious boost in playmaking. Morant’s ability to push the pace and collapse defenses would complement Giannis’ inside-out game in a big way.
Losing Portis and Kuzma would hurt the Bucks’ frontcourt depth, but neither has been a consistent difference-maker this season. Jock Landale, while not flashy, gives them a serviceable big who can soak up minutes. And Rollins, while promising, isn’t likely to be a major factor in the Bucks’ short-term championship window.
For the Grizzlies, this deal checks a lot of boxes. They get a young piece in Rollins, a future first-rounder, and a pair of veterans in Portis and Kuzma who could either contribute or be flipped elsewhere. It’s not a blockbuster return, but it’s a pragmatic one - and it gives Memphis some flexibility as they look to retool around Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Trade Proposal No. 2: Minnesota Timberwolves
Timberwolves Receive:
- Ja Morant
- Jock Landale
Grizzlies Receive:
- Naz Reid
- Mike Conley
- Rob Dillingham
- Bones Hyland
- 2027 first-round pick
This one’s a bit more complex, but there’s a lot to like here for both sides.
Minnesota has been hunting for a long-term solution at point guard, and Morant could be the answer. Pairing him with Anthony Edwards would give the Wolves one of the most explosive backcourts in the league - a high-octane, highlight-heavy combo that could fuel a deep playoff run.
Of course, it would cost them. Naz Reid is a fan favorite and one of the most productive backup bigs in the league.
Mike Conley is the veteran glue guy who keeps the offense humming. And Rob Dillingham, the rookie guard with big-time potential, is the kind of asset Memphis would covet in a rebuild.
For the Grizzlies, this deal offers a mix of present and future value. Conley’s contract helps balance the books, and his Memphis roots could make for a feel-good reunion.
Reid gives them a stretch-five option who fits modern NBA spacing. Dillingham and Hyland are both young guards with upside, and the 2027 pick adds another future chip.
It’s a bold move for the Wolves - but if they believe Morant can rediscover his All-NBA form, it could be the kind of gamble that pays off big.
Trade Proposal No. 3: Phoenix Suns
Suns Receive:
- Ja Morant
Grizzlies Receive:
- Jalen Green
- 2027 first-round pick
This is the most straight-up deal of the bunch - and probably the cleanest from a cap perspective.
For Phoenix, this is all about upside. Jalen Green hasn’t found his rhythm with the Suns this season, and with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal already dominating the ball, there’s not much room for him to grow. Swapping him for Morant injects a different kind of energy into the backcourt - a downhill threat who brings rim pressure and a different pace to the offense.
It’s a risk, no doubt. Morant and Booker would need time to mesh, and there’s always the question of Morant’s availability. But if it clicks, the Suns could have a backcourt that’s as dangerous as any in the West.
For the Grizzlies, this is about getting a young, high-upside scorer in Green and another first-round pick for the war chest. Green hasn’t lived up to his top-five billing just yet, but he’s still just 23 and has the tools to develop into a dynamic offensive weapon. A fresh start in Memphis, where he’d have more freedom to create, could be exactly what he needs.
Bottom Line
Ja Morant’s future in Memphis looks uncertain, but his story is far from over. Whether it’s Milwaukee, Minnesota, Phoenix, or another team ready to roll the dice, there’s still belief in what he can bring to the table.
He may no longer be the untouchable franchise cornerstone he once was, but that doesn’t mean he’s done. And if the Grizzlies find the right trade partner - one willing to bet on his bounce-back - we could be looking at one of the most intriguing second acts in recent memory.
Stay tuned. This saga is just getting started.