Grizzlies’ Ja Morant not interested in trade to Kings

Ja Morant’s name keeps popping up in trade chatter, but Sacramento does not appear to be a serious landing spot.

According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, Morant and his camp have little interest in a move to the Kings. Miami and Minnesota would rank well ahead of Sacramento on Morant’s preferred destinations, per Iko.

The feeling appears mutual. Sam Amick of The Athletic reports the Kings have not ruled out a Morant deal, but any serious pursuit would require Memphis to attach draft compensation.

Sacramento is wary of taking on Morant’s maximum contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season, and has internal concerns about fit and chemistry.

Memphis, meanwhile, is seeking draft assets in any Morant trade, even if it means absorbing unwanted salary. That gap in expectations has kept talks with Sacramento from gaining traction.

If the Kings are out, the field narrows. The Heat and Timberwolves remain logical suitors. Still, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line cautions against ruling out the Bucks.

Any real movement may hinge on how the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation shakes out first.