Memphis considers moving star guard ahead of Feb. 5 trade deadline
The Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining trade offers for two-time All-Star Ja Morant ahead of the NBA trade deadline on February 5, multiple sources reported Friday. This marks the first time the franchise has actively engaged other teams in trade discussions for the 26-year-old guard, signaling a potential shift in the organization’s direction.
Several teams are already pursuing Morant in trade talks, with rival executives believing the Grizzlies would prioritize draft picks and young players in return. Memphis has assembled significant trade assets, including nine first-round picks and six second-rounders, following the Desmond Bane trade to Orlando last offseason.
Building Around Youth
The Ja Morant trade discussions reflect Memphis’ growing confidence in its emerging young core. The Grizzlies are considering multiple paths forward, including building around promising players like Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr.
“Memphis is clearly building a new identity on the fly while trying to remain competitive,” according to league sources familiar with the organization’s strategic thinking.
Morant’s Declining Performance
Morant has appeared in only 18 games this season due to injuries and a one-game suspension stemming from a postgame exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo in November. The star point guard is averaging a career-low 19 points and 7.6 assists per game while shooting just 40.1% from the field and 20.8% from 3-point range.
His injury history and off-court concerns have impacted his availability. Over the past two seasons, Morant has played in just 77 games combined due to two suspensions for gun-related incidents and various injuries.
Contract Details
Morant remains under contract with the Grizzlies through the 2027-28 season and is eligible to sign a three-year, $178 million extension this summer. However, the organization’s willingness to explore trade options suggests uncertainty about committing that additional money to the former No. 2 overall pick from 2019.
While Memphis remains open to continuing forward with Morant as part of their retool, the franchise appears prepared to pivot toward a youth-focused rebuild if the right trade materializes before the February deadline.
