The 2025-26 season was relatively dull for the Memphis Grizzlies. Barring the drama involving Ja Morant and the large-scale roster change at the trade deadline, the Grizzlies weren’t particularly noteworthy this year.
In light of their unremarkable outing this year, the Grizzlies will aim to make some improvements to their franchise this summer. Among the many moves they could make, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the first would involve gauging the existing trade interest in Ja Morant and building upon it.
“Sources say that the Jazz, who have the emerging Keyonte George at the forefront of their backcourt, are not currently regarded as a possible landing spot for Morant, with Memphis widely expected to resume its efforts to trade him in the coming weeks,” Fischer wrote. “However, I am starting to hear predictive murmurs that the Grizzlies will find a wider trade market for Morant than they did in February when external interest was extremely minimal.”
Although Morant has explicitly expressed his desire to remain in Memphis, it seems like the franchise is ready to move on. In light of his recurring off-court drama and subsequent unavailability, this seems justified.
Though the Jazz have been ruled out as a potential landing spot, and the trade landscape wasn’t very promising during the season, the offseason may present more reason to be optimistic.
While his $42.1 million cap hit next season may present some obstacles in facilitating a deal, we look at five potential landing spots for the two-time All-Star.
Miami Heat
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Tyler Herro, Simone Fontecchio, 2030 first-round pick
Of all the potential landing spots in this list, the Miami Heat have been most closely linked with Ja Morant in trade rumors. While no deal materialized ahead of the February trade deadline, the current situation may present more promise.
The Miami Heat, who are predominantly known for being a playoff contender, saw their postseason run come to an end after being knocked out of the play-in tournament. As disappointing as this outcome was, Heat president Pat Riley hinted that the franchise would be looking to make some large-scale changes.
Riley’s commitment to building around Bam Adebayo ensures that the big man will remain firmly in place as the franchise cornerstone. However, this makes several other pieces expendable.
As reliable as Tyler Herro has been, the Heat could benefit from a major backcourt upgrade. By swapping Herro and Simone Fontecchio, along with a first-round pick, for Ja Morant, Miami would essentially be pairing Adebayo with a dynamic and athletic guard with playmaking upside.
Despite his inconsistent outings, Morant averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game last season. Given his potential to be an All-NBA guard, placing him in an environment like Miami’s may bring the best out of him.
Morant’s fit in Miami seems questionable right off the bat, especially considering how it would affect his lifestyle. However, with reports suggesting that Morant also bought a house in Miami, it is apparent that the superstar was also angling for this move.
Sacramento Kings
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, 2027 first-round pick
Like the Heat, the Sacramento Kings were another team that had been linked with Ja Morant in trade rumors.
The Kings ended the regular season at 14th in the West (22-60). Despite having players such as Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine, Sacramento has looked like one of the weakest teams in the NBA.
The Kings made some interesting moves at the deadline, but it is apparent that the franchise is gearing up for a rebuild. For starters, the Kings are urged to make a trade for a superstar to build their roster around. Given Morant’s availability, both Sacramento and Memphis would benefit from revisiting trade talks.
Acquiring Ja Morant may seem challenging at first. However, a trade package of DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and a first-round pick may suffice.
In theory, a one-two punch of Morant and Sabonis seems quite solid. When additionally factoring in players such as DeAndre Hunter, Keegan Murray, and Nique Clifford, the Kings would boast a decent starting lineup.
It is difficult to gauge what Sacramento’s roster will look like at the start of the 2026-27 season. However, if the Kings make the right moves, beginning with the acquisition of a legitimate superstar, the franchise may be on the right track.
Milwaukee Bucks
Proposed Trade Details
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., 2027 first-round pick (NOP swap)
Like the Grizzlies, the Milwaukee Bucks have also had a difficult run through the 2025-26 season. Having failed to secure a playoff berth, the Bucks are currently on the verge of falling apart.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo being mentioned in offseason trade rumors, the Bucks must create a title-contending roster to improve their chances of retaining him. While this is virtually impossible in a single offseason, Milwaukee can get the ball rolling by acquiring Ja Morant this summer.
Morant was among the players the Bucks had set their eyes on ahead of the February trade deadline. While certain circumstances prevented them from completing this move at the time, the current situation presents a new opportunity.
For all intents and purposes, a duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant is relatively unconvincing. Considering how similar their offensive approach is, with both players looking to score in the paint, it is hard to imagine how they would function together. Still, given how impactful they could be if they strike a balance, Milwaukee may see value in investing in this move.
New Orleans Pelicans
Proposed Trade Details
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, 2029 first-round pick
The New Orleans Pelicans ended the season on a marginally stronger note than the Sacramento Kings. However, the outcome of their campaign is the same. It is time for a rebuild.
Compared to the Kings, the Pelicans are in a promising position. With players such as Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, and Trey Murphy III, New Orleans has some solid pieces to build around. But while noting how adding a superstar-caliber point guard could boost their core, the Pelicans may show some interest in Ja Morant this summer.
The Pelicans were also viewed as a potential landing spot for Morant during the regular season, though the trade chatter died down almost immediately. This could be attributed to several reasons, but fit issues may be the primary cause.
Considering how things have played out for Jordan Poole in New Orleans, it is apparent that scoring upside may not be New Orleans’ priority. But considering the sheer difference in quality, the Pelicans would be urged to reconsider.
Since the team may be exploring trades for Zion Williamson, bringing in talented players who would pair well with Ja Morant may also be a viable course of action. Should they succeed in this endeavor, the Pelicans could boast a promising young core next season.
Phoenix Suns
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Ja Morant, Taylor Hendricks
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jalen Green, Royce O’Neale, 2026 second-round pick
At the start of the 2025-26 season, the Phoenix Suns were expected to be among the weakest teams in the Western Conference. However, following an inspired run in the regular season, the Suns earned themselves a playoff spot and positioned themselves as one of the top-eight teams in the West.
Although Phoenix was swept in the first round, there are many positive takeaways for the franchise. Among these, the most promising one is this team’s ability to compete.
The core of Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks has showcased the ability to compete at a high level. However, when noting how minimal Jalen Green‘s contribution was, the Suns could look at making an upgrade this offseason. On that note, Ja Morant may be viewed as a viable option.
Considering the state of Phoenix’s starting lineup, the abject lack of a playmaking point guard limited Booker’s ability to be the offensive threat he is known to be. Hence, acquiring an elite playmaker like Morant to pair with Booker in the backcourt may be a worthwhile endeavor.
For all his misgivings, Morant remains a capable floor general and a genuine offensive threat. When also factoring in that he would be partnering up with his former teammate on the Grizzlies, the general morale boost could be promising for the Suns’ future.
Final Thoughts
Despite his character flaws and absences, Ja Morant is a truly exciting NBA player. While he is capable of being a box-office player and entertainer on a nightly basis, investing in Morant as a franchise player is a risky move at this stage.
Although he remains an elite player when available, Morant’s shortcomings prevent him from being consistently impactful. The Grizzlies’ drop-off in performance during his absences this season was quite noteworthy, and in this context, serves as a warning to teams pursuing the two-time All-Star.
The fact that the trade interest in Ja Morant was close to zero this season is understandable. For all his brilliance, he seems to be a bigger liability than an asset. Still, should the superstar land on the right team and in the right environment, there is reason to believe that he could still turn things around for himself.
