Report: Rockets not expected to pursue deal for Grizzlies’ Ja Morant

The Rockets already made their big swing when they landed Kevin Durant over the summer, and it doesn’t sound like another is coming anytime soon.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Houston has no interest in pursuing a trade for Grizzlies star Ja Morant.

Amick writes that general manager Rafael Stone continues to value the team’s long-term runway and has steered clear of what he views as “overpriced shortcuts,” even after losing veteran guard Fred VanVleet for the season with a torn ACL.

League sources told Amick that Houston isn’t expected to explore a Morant deal despite the obvious hole in its backcourt.

Houston has started 15-6 and sits fourth in the West, leaning on Durant, Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and a deep young rotation. The franchise returned to the playoffs last spring for the first time since 2020.

Morant remains sidelined by a right calf strain and has appeared in just 12 games, averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists. Memphis is 11-13 and sitting ninth in the conference.

Morant, 26, is owed nearly $40 million this season and is under contract through 2027-28.