Rockets likely to keep out of Ja Morant sweepstakes

The Rockets will not pursue a trade for Grizzlies star Ja Morant, according to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports.

Even with Houston continuing to monitor the point guard market, Morant is not viewed as a fit. The Rockets have weighed their options internally, but league sources indicate there is no interest in taking on Morant’s contract or the variables that come with it.

That comes as the Grizzlies remain open to listening on Morant, who does not have a no-trade clause. Multiple teams have checked in, with rival executives believing Memphis would prioritize young players and draft capital in any serious discussion.

The Grizzlies are still evaluating several paths forward. They are not ruling out continuing with Morant as a core piece alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., particularly as a younger supporting cast continues to develop.

Morant has appeared in 18 games this season, averaging 19.0 points, 7.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from three. A two-time All-Star, he is earning $39.4 million this season and is under contract through 2027–28.

Houston, meanwhile, sits sixth in the Western Conference after an aggressive offseason that included the acquisition of Kevin Durant. The Rockets are also hopeful veteran guard Fred VanVleet can return later this season from a torn ACL, per Marc Stein.