Over the past three seasons, the relationship between star PG Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies has seemed to sour. In fact, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright, the two sides could be headed for a divorce this offseason.
Below, we’ll dive into whether Morant could end up being traded, what a potential deal could look like, and what NBA teams would be interested in his services, utilizing payouts for Ja's next team on PrizePicks Team Picks.
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Is Ja Morant Leaving the Grizzlies?
It’s looking more and more likely that the Grizzlies could choose to move on from Morant this coming offseason.
According to ESPN, executives across the NBA have expected Morant to be available for some time now, given that the Grizzlies chose not to engage in contract-extension talks with the star PG last summer.
In addition, Morant reportedly hasn’t gotten past being issued a one-game suspension by head coach Tuomas Iisalo for conduct detrimental to the team after a heated confrontation with Iisalo. The confrontation occurred following an NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Lakers in which Morant shot just 3-for-14 in a 117-112 loss on Halloween.
Morant had voiced his frustrations about Iisalo’s group substitutions after short stints of minutes throughout the game. The Grizzlies star felt alienated by his own teammates following the suspension after they were told to leave the guard alone so that he could work through his personal issues.
Morant reportedly informed players around the NBA, as well as some former coaches, that he doesn’t plan to play for the Grizzlies anymore.
Why Ja Morant Could Be Traded By the Grizzlies
Leading up to the 2026 NBA trade deadline, the Grizzlies made it clear that the franchise was interested in moving Morant for the right price.
According to ESPN, Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman conducted preliminary trade talks with several teams regarding Morant, but none of those discussions materialized.
The Sacramento Kings were reportedly interested in acquiring Morant but asked the Grizzlies to “incentivize” the trade by adding a first-round pick in addition to Morant. As a result, trade talks quickly broke down between the two teams once that request was made.
The Grizzlies have shown that the franchise is interested in rebuilding with the trades of SG Desmond Bane and PF Jaren Jackson Jr. over the last calendar year.
Memphis shipped Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for G Cole Anthony, SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2029 first-round pick swap in June 2025.
In February, the Grizzlies traded Jackson, SF John Konchar, C Jock Landale, and SG Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz in exchange for SF Kyle Anderson, PG Walter Clayton Jr., PF Taylor Hendrick, SF Georges Niang, and three first-round picks.
The Grizzlies could choose to build around the likes of C Zach Edey, G Cedric Coward, and PF Santi Aldama while racking up an abundance of draft capital.
Ja Morant Next Team: Heat, Kings Among Favorites to Land Ja
It’s possible that Morant could remain with the Grizzlies, but the Heat are the slight favorites to land his services if he ends up being traded this offseason.
Check out payouts for Ja's next team from PrizePicks Team Picks.
Payouts indicate real-money earnings if an NBA prediction is correct; for example, 2x on a $100 entry would pay out $200 on PrizePicks Team Picks. “Yes” payouts represent a specific outcome occurring, whereas "No" payouts indicate the opposite.
- Stays with Memphis or Retires: Yes 1.81x I No 1.21x
- Miami Heat: Yes 3.12x I No N/A
- Sacramento Kings: Yes 4x I No N/A
- Phoenix Suns: Yes 5x I No N/A
- Toronto Raptors: Yes 5.26x I No N/A
- Chicago Bulls: Yes 5.55x I No N/A
- Brooklyn Nets: Yes 5.88x I No N/A
Team Picks data is live at the time of writing and is subject to change.
After being eliminated by the Charlotte Hornets in the Play-In Tournament, the Miami Heat could certainly make a splash by acquiring a player of Morant’s caliber. Miami currently has Davion Mitchell as its starting PG, but Morant would provide quite an upgrade and would allow Mitchell to come off the bench.
If the Heat don’t have to part with Herro in any potential Morant trade, it’s definitely possible that the franchise looks to make such a move.
Meanwhile, the Kings previously had interest in Morant’s skillset, so it may all come down to the asking price. According to ESPN’s MacMahon and Wright, if the Kings don’t land a lead guard with their lottery draft pick, it’s possible that they could kick the tires on Morant yet again.
Make your picks for Ja Morant's next team on PrizePicks now.
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When Could the Grizzlies Trade Ja Morant?
After striking out at the trade deadline, it’s possible that the Grizzlies could look to deal Morant in the offseason.
According to ESPN, NBA executives from other franchises stated that Memphis is more likely to find a trading partner this summer. However, the Grizzlies may not receive much value in return for their star guard.
Many NBA teams will be monitoring the situation regarding Milwaukee Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the Bucks are truly willing to trade Antetokounmpo, there will be several high-profile franchises that will make a run at the star big man.
Even if Antetokounmpo is moved, there will obviously be teams that miss out on acquiring him or maybe don’t get the pieces they wanted in the 2026 NBA Draft. As a result, Morant could be an attractive consolation prize at a lower price.
Make NBA Futures Picks on PrizePicks
Ja Morant may end up getting moved at some point during the NBA offseason. Which NBA team could potentially acquire the star PG’s services? The Heat and Kings could be early frontrunners to land Ja.
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