In the wake of the Memphis Grizzlies’ stunning trade of Desmond Bane to Orlando, a move that seems to indicate a full-blown rebuild, attention now shifts to Ja Morant’s future. With the Grizzlies scooping up a haul of four first-round picks and clear signals of an impending organizational reset, front offices across the NBA will wait patiently for the go-ahead to make an all-in move for the All-Star point guard.
Here, we break down the four most realistic landing spots for Morant, franchises with the assets needed to pull off a blockbuster. Each of the four teams we presented has a unique case that could reshape both their future and Morant’s legacy.
Miami Heat
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larsson, 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Morant brings explosive scoring (23.2 ppg), playmaking (7.3 apg), and electrifying rim penetration, qualities the Miami Heat desperately craves alongside Bam Adebayo (18.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG) and Tyler Herro (23.9 PPG). His arrival would add a dynamic catalyst capable of breaking down defenses and creating open looks for role players. In a Spoelstra-coached, defensive-minded system, Morant’s elite quickness and aggression are tailor-made to thrive.
Miami’s reputation for turning volatile talents into team-first stars is well earned, think Jimmy Butler. That is why we have floated the idea of Morant in a Heat uniform earlier this season. However, Morant’s off-court concerns remain a concern, given the Heat’s disciplined environment. If managed well, the payoff could be supercharged; mishandled, the risk could disrupt team chemistry.
From Memphis’s perspective, shipping Morant for Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larsson, and two first-rounders is a formidable haul. Wiggins offers championship-caliber defense and 3-point shooting; Rozier deepens perimeter scoring. Ware and Larsson are upside lottery picks. Financially, this gives the Grizzlies flexibility while they reposition around youth and assets. Though it doesn’t replenish star power immediately, it vaults them toward a full rebuild.
Houston Rockets
Proposed Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, 2025 No. 10 pick, 2029 First Round Pick (DAL/PHX)
Morant bolts into a Houston squad that just clinched 52 wins and a division title. His elite playmaking would elevate a core built around Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, placing Houston firmly in title contention. With Morant pushing tempo, the Rockets’ young core would benefit from added spacing and assist creation.
Memphis receives Jalen Green, promising youngster Cam Whitmore, a top-10 pick, and a future first-rounder. Green is a 21 ppg scorer and rising two-way talent; Whitmore, though yet inconsistent in rotation, has shown 45+% shooting and scoring upside in limited minutes. The draft capital is ripe for value. Houston exits with a significant rebuild cushion.
Morant’s signing in Houston would signal a win-now pivot, with cap space and youth to support a sustained playoff run. However, giving up Green dims their long-term flexibility. For Memphis, the haul provides both immediate talent and future upside, fitting their likely reset plans. Houston, meanwhile, bets on Morant’s prime years catalyzing their younger core into contender status.
Brooklyn Nets
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Cam Thomas (sign-and-trade), Ziaire Williams (sign-and-trade), 2025 No. 8 pick, 2027 first-round pick (via Philadelphia), 2031 first-round pick
Acquiring Morant gives Brooklyn a perimeter duo capable of high-impact offense and rancorous chemistry. With Morant’s 23-7 floor game, the Nets would immediately vault into playoff contention in the East as they find a direction to move forward with.
Memphis would land Cam Thomas and Ziaire Williams (both via sign-and-trade), plus the No. 8 pick in 2025 and future firsts. Thomas is a 20+ ppg scorer who struggled with efficiency (24.0 PPG on 43.8% FG), but has star offensive upside. Williams adds length and defensive promise. The draft haul, a high lottery pick, and future picks align squarely with a rebuild narrative.
The Nets get thunderous value: Morant instantly raises the ceiling. Brooklyn’s draft-heavy expansion can afford to move youth and picks for an All-NBA-level guard. Memphis gains flexibility, pivoting entirely to future assets and shedding Morant’s contract for younger upside.
Sacramento Kings
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Jonas Valanciunas, 2025 No. 42 pick, 2028 first-round pick (SAC), 2029 first-round pick (SAC)
Adding Morant would finally correct the years of mismanagement when it comes to the point guard position, because the Sacramento Kings have already lost out on Luka Doncic, Tyrese Haliburton, and De’Aaron Fox. They have been looking for the point guard of the future, and Morant could finally be that in this proposed trade idea.
The Grizzlies get veterans DeMar DeRozan (24.6 ppg last season) and Jonas Valanciunas, along with the No. 42 pick and two future first-rounders. DeRozan brings top-tier midrange scoring and leadership; Valanciunas stabilizes the frontcourt and offers double-digit rebounding. The picks give long-term rebuild ballast.
Sacramento acquires a potential franchise-altering talent at the expense of depth and future capital. It’s a bold move toward contender status under coach Doug Christie. Meanwhile, Memphis continues its reset, adding maturity and draft flexibility. This trade favors a short-term elevation for Sacramento and a long-term reset for Memphis.
