The Ja Morant saga in Memphis continues to evolve, and it’s becoming one of the most intriguing storylines of this NBA season. From injuries to trade rumors, the star guard finds himself at the center of a situation that could reshape not just the Grizzlies, but potentially another contender in the Western Conference.
Let’s start with the current temperature in Memphis: despite outside noise - including recent comments from John Wall suggesting Morant might have lost his edge - the Grizzlies aren’t showing signs of panic. Internally, the organization is said to be comfortable with Morant, even as there are whispers of friction between him and the coaching staff.
That’s a delicate balance. When your franchise player is battling both physical setbacks and possible locker room tension, it’s natural for other teams to start circling.
Enter the New Orleans Pelicans.
According to reports, New Orleans is going all-in with a trade proposal that signals just how serious they are about adding Morant to their core. The deal on the table?
The Pelicans would receive Ja Morant and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, while Memphis would land Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray. That’s a bold package - and one that speaks volumes about how the Pelicans view Morant’s ceiling, even with his recent injury history.
From a basketball standpoint, this trade would be fascinating. For Memphis, bringing in Poole and Murray would give them a dynamic backcourt duo with offensive punch and defensive versatility.
Poole, despite an up-and-down run since leaving Golden State, still brings scoring upside, while Murray is a two-way guard who can stabilize the offense and guard multiple positions. For a Grizzlies team that’s struggled to stay healthy and consistent, those are attractive assets.
On the flip side, the Pelicans would be betting big on Morant’s health and long-term upside. Pairing him with Zion Williamson would create one of the most explosive young duos in the league, and adding a veteran like Caldwell-Pope gives them a proven 3-and-D wing who knows how to win in the playoffs. It’s a swing-for-the-fences move - the kind that can either elevate a franchise or set it back if things don’t click.
But there’s a major variable in all this: Morant’s health.
The 26-year-old had just returned to the Grizzlies’ lineup after missing time with injury, only to suffer another setback during a recent loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The play?
A high-flying attempt to block a fast-break layup by Dyson Daniels - vintage Morant, all-out effort, but it came at a cost. Now he’s expected to miss several weeks, and that’s not just a blow to Memphis’ season - it’s a blow to his trade value.
Grizzlies beat reporter Damichael Cole recently noted that league-wide interest in Morant has been relatively quiet, and this latest injury likely doesn’t help. “There’s not been a lot of reported interest around the league with teams on Ja Morant,” Cole said.
“This injury probably doesn’t help that case. It doesn’t help make the trade market bigger.
It’s probably a better chance that the Grizzlies end up with Ja past the trade deadline.”
That wouldn’t be a shock. Morant’s injury history is well-documented - he hasn’t played more than 65 games in any of the past six seasons.
For all his talent and explosiveness, availability has been a recurring concern. And in a league where durability matters just as much as highlight-reel potential, that’s something front offices can’t ignore.
Still, the idea of Morant being moved - especially in a deal as significant as the one reportedly discussed with New Orleans - raises big-picture questions. Is Memphis ready to pivot away from its franchise cornerstone? Is this just a case of testing the waters, or is the front office seriously considering reshaping the roster around a different identity?
And for Morant, what’s next? He’s made it clear he’s committed to Memphis, but commitment only goes so far when the business side of the league kicks in.
If the Grizzlies decide to keep him past the deadline, the focus shifts to his recovery and whether he can return to form. If he’s moved, the spotlight follows him to a new city with new expectations.
Either way, the clock is ticking. The trade deadline is approaching fast, and the Morant watch is officially on.