Another star point guard could be on the move ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
The Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining offers for Ja Morant for the first time with an eye toward potentially moving him to another team before Feb. 5, according to a new ESPN report on Friday, Jan. 9. Though Morant has been the subject of trade rumors previously, especially since he served a one-game suspension following a dispute with coach Tuomas Iisalo in November, the franchise previously shot down speculation it was considering another direction.
Multiple teams are pursuing Morant, ESPN reported, and Memphis is seeking young players and/or draft picks in return if it were to complete a deal. Morant’s potential availability comes on the heels of the Atlanta Hawks trading star point guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards earlier this week.
Ja Morant is in the third season of a five-year, $197-million contract. He is set to make a salary of more than $42.1 million next season and $44.8 million in 2027-28.
Ja Morant trade landing spots
Several teams are already being linked to Morant on a speculative basis since his potential availability became public.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is looking for point guard help for Anthony Edwards entering the NBA playoffs and could use Julius Randle and 2024 first-round pick Rob Dillingham to pull off a trade with the Grizzlies. The Timberwolves have also been named as a potential landing spot for Bulls guard Coby White. One drawback is Minnesota doesn’t have much to offer in draft picks due to previous transactions.
Miami Heat
If the Heat decide to make a splash at the trade deadline, they could offer the Grizzlies guard Tyler Herro and perhaps an enticing young role player such as Ke’lel Ware or Jaime Jacquez.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are desperate to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy and perhaps a pairing with Morant in Milwaukee would appease him. Guard Ryan Rollins and draft picks could be part of a potential trade package, though Memphis would need to take on some of the Bucks’ bigger contracts to make the deal work.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings appear willing to trade much of their roster at the deadline, with players such as Zach Lavine, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis all mentioned as potentially on the move. Sacramento has three first-round draft picks over the next two years. Would it be willing to part with one, and/or an intriguing young player like Ellis, to build around Morant and unload a high-priced contract.
Ja Morant stats
Morant is averaging 19 points. 7.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 18 games this season. He’s shooting a career-worst 40.1% from the field and 20.8% from 3-point range.