League perception on Grizzlies’ Ja Morant ‘has cooled’ ahead of deadline

The Grizzlies are inching toward a franchise-defining decision, and Ja Morant sits at the center of it.

As ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Jan. 9, Memphis has begun exploring trade possibilities involving the two-time All-Star.

On paper, Morant should carry massive value. He turns 27 in August, is under contract through 2028, and has averaged at least 20 points per game in four straight seasons.

But league perception has cooled.

Executives remain wary of Morant’s off-court track record, his durability, and what some view as a real dip in on-court impact. He is on pace to play fewer than 60 games for a third consecutive season and is currently sidelined with a shoulder issue.

The production has also slipped. Morant is shooting just 23.5 percent from three and a career-low 47 percent inside the arc, numbers that have raised eyebrows across front offices.

In short, the talent is undeniable. The risk is real.

What Memphis prioritizes could shape the return. One option is chasing expiring contracts and long-term cap flexibility, mirroring the route Atlanta took when it moved Trae Young.

Another is patience. There is a belief internally that Morant could rebuild value over the final two months of the season, allowing the Grizzlies to revisit trade talks this summer from a stronger negotiating position.

This is the tension. Sell now at a discount. Or bet on a rebound and hope the market warms.

Either way, Memphis is at a crossroads. And the rest of the league is watching closely.