Grizzlies may struggle to find trade market for Ja Morant

January 12, 2026

The Grizzlies may not like what the trade market has to say about Ja Morant.

According to Zach Harper of The Athletic, Memphis is facing a limited field of suitors as it weighs its options with Morant, who is just 26 and a two-time All-Star.

Even so, Harper suggests the Grizzlies could be staring at offers similar to the modest return the Hawks received for Trae Young.

The reasons are largely structural. Harper notes that roughly half the league is already set at point guard. Among the remaining teams, several either lack the assets or the financial flexibility to realistically pursue Morant.

Boston, Minnesota, Milwaukee and Orlando fall into that category. Atlanta is not expected to circle back for another lead guard, Toronto is viewed as an awkward fit due to Immanuel Quickley’s long-term contract, and Sacramento is unlikely to surrender the draft capital Memphis would want.

That narrows the field considerably. Harper identifies the Nets, Bulls, Heat and Mavericks as the most plausible landing spots. None comes without questions.

Chicago is still searching for a true star, but Josh Giddey is already entrenched as the primary ball-handler. Dallas could eventually look to move on from Kyrie Irving while rebuilding around Cooper Flagg, though Morant’s injury history could give the Mavericks pause. Brooklyn remains early in a rebuild, and it is unclear whether Morant would welcome that setting.

Harper suggests Morant’s best path may be a strong finish to the season to rebuild value ahead of a potential summer deal. At the same time, he notes the Grizzlies could already have an offer they are willing to accept and may simply be testing the market before the deadline.

The uncertainty does not stop there. On The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon raised questions about whether Jaren Jackson Jr. is fully on board with a full-scale rebuild. Memphis sits 17-22 and clings to the final play-in spot after dealing Desmond Bane to Orlando last summer.

“Their actions are telling you that they’re determined to rebuild the Grizzlies around Jaren Jackson Jr.,” said Tim Bontemps. “There’s a lot of discussion around the league wondering if that is mutual.”