The Minnesota Timberwolves are making one thing clear as the trade deadline approaches: they’re not picking up the phone for Ja Morant. Despite their clear need at point guard, the Wolves have no interest in adding a high-salary guard like Morant to their roster-and they’re not alone.
According to multiple reports, including one from veteran insider Marc Stein, the Memphis Grizzlies are struggling to find any team willing to take on Morant. The Grizzlies are reportedly still hoping to move him before the February 5 deadline, but so far, no serious suitors have emerged.
Stein went as far as to shut down rumors linking the New Orleans Pelicans to Morant, writing, “New Orleans is not in pursuit of Ja Morant despite the persistent spillage of digital ink suggesting that the Pelicans are.” That leaves Memphis in a tough spot, still searching for a landing spot for their franchise point guard.
And honestly, it’s not hard to understand why teams are hesitant. Morant’s upside is undeniable-he’s an electric athlete, a dynamic playmaker, and when he’s locked in, he can take over games. But the red flags right now are tough to ignore.
Let’s start with the availability issue. Morant has played more than 65 games just once in his career, and that was back in his rookie season.
This year, he’s already missed more than half the season due to an elbow injury. For a team like Minnesota, which is pushing for a deep playoff run, availability matters-and Morant hasn’t been able to stay on the floor.
Even when he has played this season, the production hasn’t been quite what we’re used to from him. He’s averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game.
On the surface, those numbers aren’t bad, but dig a little deeper and the concerns start to pile up. His shooting splits-41 percent from the field, 23.5 percent from three, and 89.7 percent from the free-throw line-highlight a significant drop in efficiency.
That 23.5 percent mark from deep is the worst in the league among players attempting at least three threes per game.
And it’s not just the outside shooting. Morant’s finishing at the rim has also dipped to a career low, continuing a downward trend that started in the 2022-23 season. For a player whose game is built around explosiveness and attacking the basket, that’s a troubling sign.
Then there’s the financial side. Morant is owed $39.4 million, a hefty price tag that would force the Timberwolves to sacrifice depth just to make the numbers work. And with Minnesota already operating with a tight rotation, gutting the roster for a player who may not be available-or effective-down the stretch is a gamble they’re not willing to take.
Of course, there’s also the off-court factor. Morant’s past issues with maturity and behavior away from the game have been well-documented. While he’s served his suspension and returned to the court, teams are clearly factoring in the full picture when evaluating a potential trade.
For the Timberwolves, the decision to steer clear of Morant isn’t about questioning his talent. It’s about risk management.
They’ve built something strong this season, with Anthony Edwards emerging as a true star and the roster showing real chemistry. Adding a high-variance piece like Morant-especially at that cost-just doesn’t make sense.
And based on how quiet the market has been, it seems the rest of the league agrees.