An ESPN insider says Memphis will try to trade Ja Morant after drafting Cameron Boozer at No. 3, pointing to a full Grizzlies rebuild.
An ESPN insider raised doubts about Ja Morant’s long-term future in Memphis, prompting debate about what comes next for the Grizzlies star.
The Grizzlies added three young pieces in the 2026 Draft to build their roster and start the rebuild process. Memphis selected Cameron Boozer, Karim López, and Richie Saunders.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes that despite the franchise's lack of trade partners, they will attempt to trade Morant.
"It's not really a question for the Grizzlies, they're going to really try to trade him," Windhorst reported June 24 on NBA Today.
"I think we've probably seen the last moments of Ja Morant in a Grizzlies uniform. It just depends on how it's going to play itself out. They are looking to totally reset their franchise, and Boozer's selection at No.3 is a part of that," he added.
Total Rebuild
The Grizzlies selection of Boozer at No.3 provides this team with a possible franchise piece to build around. He will likely be paired with Zach Edey in the front court which is an area the team wanted to address in the draft.
Memphis also selected López, who has questions surrounding his skills transitioning to the league, and the selection of Saunders could expand the team's three-point shooting.
Regarding Morant, who has been with the franchise since 2019, the writing may be on the wall as his production has declined due to availability.
Over the last three seasons, the Memphis guard has only played 79 games. He has missed time over the last three seasons due to suspension, but mostly injury.
The Grizzlies selection of young talent, coupled with their young backcourt, could be a sign that they're moving on from Morant.
Trouble in Memphis
ESPN's Windhorst went on to further explain why the franchise may move on. "They've had difficulty finding a trading partner for Ja Morant," said Windhorst.
"There aren't that many teams that need franchise point guards, quite frankly. A lot of them just drafted them last night and want to develop them. The one thing they have on their side that they could use in a Ja Morant trade would be a $29 million trade exception, one of the largest trade exceptions in the history of the NBA," he added.
Morant is under contract for the next two seasons, earning $42.2 million for the upcoming season and $44.9 million for the 2027-28 season.
Last season, the 6-foot-2 guard averaged 19.5 points, 3.3. rebounds, and 8.1 assists from 20 games.
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