The Grizzlies are open to trading Ja Morant, but several significant roadblocks could make a deal difficult to complete.
The Grizzlies are open to trading Ja Morant, but several significant roadblocks could make a deal difficult to complete.
Memphis finished the 2026 NBA Draft by selecting three young players to help rebuild the roster. However, Morant has been linked to trade rumors as the franchise seeks to find a suitable partner.
ESPN's Vincent Goodwill reported Morant's salary and injury history are " Scaring teams away."
"The Memphis Grizzlies have been open to dealing Morant since the trade deadline, and in the past few days their asking price has dropped considerably from draft capital before last week's draft to picks and swaps," Goodwill wrote on June 29.
"Now they're now trying to match player for player in deals," he added.
Rebuild With or Without Morant
Last week, the Grizzlies drafted Cameron Boozer (No.3), Karim López (No.21), and Richie Saunders (No.32) in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, the franchise will have to decide if they want to incorporate Morant with the new players.
Over the last three seasons, the 6-foot-2 guard has played in 79 games due to suspension and injury. He has two years remaining at $42 million and $44.9 million, which is scaring teams away.
ESPN's Goodwill reported that teams have asked the Grizzlies for draft compensation. "Teams have asked the Grizzlies for draft compensation in order to take on Morant, so the gulf has been considerable, especially with so many point guards going early in Round 1 of the draft," Goodwill wrote.
Despite teams being "scared" to trade for the Memphis guard, Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor believes that he will be traded this week.
"Sources say the Miami Heat had interest in Morant before the Giannis deal, but there is not much expectation that he will get bought out," wrote O'Connor on June 28. "In fact, league sources expect Morant to be traded this week," he added.
O'Connor suggested that the Heat could package Andrew Wiggins (if he opts out of his $30.1 million player option) and Davion Mitchell for Morant to match the salaries.
Morant
Morant finished the 2025-26 season averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in 20 games. He was shut down by Memphis on March 24 after suffering an UCL sprain in his left elbow.
The Grizzlies guard is 26, and his time in Memphis could be coming to a close. He has played with the franchise since being drafted in 2019.
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