The Memphis Grizzlies wanted Ryan Rollins in any trade package involving Ja Morant going to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Memphis Grizzlies discussed a Ja Morant trade with the Milwaukee Bucks in February, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Memphis wanted Ryan Rollins and Milwaukee wasn't interested in doing that trade.
Rollins played very well for the Bucks this season. He averaged 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 47.2% from the field, 40.6% from beyond the arc and 79.6% from the free-throw line.
The Bucks are expected to pursue a trade for Morant again this offseason, sources told Roundtable. Milwaukee just hired former Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins and Morant enjoyed playing for Jenkins.
Ja will make $42.1 million next season and $44 million in the 2027-28 season, the final year of his contract. The 26-year-old doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can't control where the Grizzlies trade him this offseason.
In 20 games for Memphis this season, Morant averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists per contest while shooting 41.0% from the field, 23.5% from beyond the arc and 89.7% from the free-throw line.
The 2019-20 Rookie of the Year, Morant has led the Grizzlies to the second round of the playoffs just once. That was back in 2022 with Jenkins.
Morant has career averages of 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. Along with the Bucks, Ja has been linked to the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns in trade rumors.
According to ESPN, Morant has told people that he's done playing for the Grizzlies, who selected the guard with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Murray State.
A two-time All-Star, Morant still hasn't gotten over the Grizzlies suspending him earlier this season for conduct detrimental to the team.
"Morant still hasn't gotten over the suspension, multiple league sources said, because he felt alienated by teammates, who were told to leave the star guard alone so he could work through the issues that had led to the suspension. In the aftermath, Morant told players around the league and some of his former coaches that he isn't playing for Memphis anymore, sources said," ESPN wrote.
It will be fascinating to see where Morant is playing next season. Expect the Grizzlies and Bucks to discuss a Morant trade as soon as the 2026 NBA Finals end, sources said.
Trading for Morant could help the Bucks keep superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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