The Grizzlies are evaluating their long-term future and it sounds like star Ja Morant might not be in those plans.
The Memphis Grizzlies are considering a significant move for the direction of their franchise. Since they drafted him No. 2 overall in 2019, Ja Morant has been the face of the organization, but the Grizzlies are considering whether his future is in Memphis. The team is now open to potential trade offers for Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, with multiple teams trying to target the point guard in talks, according to ESPN.
Sources also told ESPN that rival executives are under the belief that the Grizzlies are prioritizing draft picks and young players in a trade haul for their two-time All-Star. The 26-year-old is under contract through the 2027-28 season and is eligible for an extension worth up to three years and $178 million this summer. However, while his production on the court speaks for itself, it is limited, and his availability has complicated things.
Here is the full story from Grizzlies Roundtable writer Grant Afseth on the monumental shift for the franchise and what may have led to this.
Morant has only appeared in 18 games this season, sidelined by injuries and a one-game suspension due to a postgame exchange with Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo back in November. Over the last two years, he has only appeared in 59 games between injuries and two off-court incidents that led to suspensions, both involving firearms. But when healthy, Morant is electric. He is one of eight players in league history to average at least 22 points and seven assists per game. That will make teams pick up the phone.