The Memphis Grizzlies appear determined to move on from Ja Morant, but finding a trade partner has become far more difficult than many expected.
According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, Memphis is “struggling immensely” to generate a market for the former All-Star despite aggressively exploring trade scenarios. Windhorst recently stated that the Grizzlies are fully committed to resetting the franchise and believe they have likely seen Morant play his final game in a Memphis uniform.
That is a significant development considering Morant remains one of the league’s most talented guards when healthy. The two-time All-Star is under a five-year, $197.2 million contract and averaged 19.5 points, 8.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 20 games last season before injuries once again limited his availability.
The talent has never been questioned. The durability has.
Morant has not played more than 50 games in a season since 2022, making him one of the NBA’s highest-risk superstar investments. Teams interested in acquiring a franchise cornerstone have reportedly become hesitant about taking on both the injury concerns and the financial commitment attached to his contract.
Recent reports have only reinforced that reality. The Minnesota Timberwolves were previously linked to Morant, but later reports indicated they had no interest in pursuing him, instead prioritizing more reliable long-term options with the blockbuster LaMelo Ball trade. The New Orleans Pelicans have some interest, but other teams around the league have addressed the point guard position through the draft or free agency.
Earlier reports connected Morant to teams including the Raptors, Suns, and Heat, with Miami viewed by some league observers as one of the cleaner basketball fits following its blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, salary-matching complications make a trade difficult, and some analysts have even floated the possibility that Miami would only pursue Morant if he somehow reached the buyout market.
The Grizzlies’ direction has become increasingly clear following the selection of Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick. Memphis has already moved on from Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., signaling a complete organizational reset centered around its new young core.
Morant is still only 26 years old and has shown flashes of MVP-level basketball throughout his career. His explosiveness, playmaking, and ability to take over games remain elite when healthy. Those qualities ensure teams will continue evaluating the situation.
The problem for Memphis is that potential buyers appear to value certainty more than upside.
Unless a franchise decides the reward outweighs the considerable risk, the Grizzlies may have to lower their asking price or consider alternative paths to move their former franchise player. As the offseason continues, Morant’s future has become one of the NBA’s biggest unresolved storylines.
