Ja Morant is on the market! The Grizzlies are open to trading their superstar before the deadline

Just hours after the trade of Trae Young to Washington, it’s Ja Morant‘s turn to make headlines. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies are for the first time open to the idea of parting with their star point guard, and are even actively studying offers received before the February 5 deadline.

Just in: For the first time, the Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining offers to potentially move two-time All-Star Ja Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/SD0RT9Jhuj

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2026

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This decision marks a historic turning point for the Tennessee franchise, which had never considered trading Morant since drafting him in 2019. Several teams have already expressed interest, and Memphis executives would prefer a package consisting of young players and draft picks in return.

A situation that has become untenable in Memphis

Ja Morant‘s adventure with the Grizzlies has been marked by spectacular highs and lows. Rookie of the Year in 2020, Most Improved Player in 2022, two-time All-Star and All-NBA Second Team member, the 6’3″ point guard seemed destined to lead the franchise to the top.

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But since 2023, problems have accumulated. Two suspensions related to incidents involving firearms, repeated injuries and recurring tensions with the coaching staff have gradually damaged his relationship with the organization. This season, Morant has only played 18 games due to injuries and a one-game suspension following a heated exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo in November.

According to ESPN, the player reportedly told teammates and former coaches that he would no longer play for Memphis, illustrating the complete deterioration of the situation. His statistics also reflect these difficulties: 19 points and 7.6 assists in 28 minutes, but with plummeting shooting percentages (40.1% from the field and especially an abysmal 20.8% from 3-point range).

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Several suitors already circling

Despite the turbulence, Morant‘s talent is stirring up interest. The Sacramento Kings, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Miami Heat are among the most interested teams according to American media. Each franchise sees it as an opportunity to acquire a player capable of averaging 22 points and 7 assists per game in his career, a very exclusive club in the NBA.

The Heat, Timberwolves, and Kings have shown interest in Ja Morant, per @BrettSiegelNBA

« Morant is expected to generate interest around the league over the next three weeks, leading up to the NBA trade deadline, with the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Miami Heat… pic.twitter.com/zy614bs62u

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 9, 2026

The Grizzlies, who already have nine first-round draft picks for the coming years after trading Desmond Bane for four first-round picks, seem to be moving toward a rebuild around Jaren Jackson Jr. and their young talents like Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells or Cedric Coward.

Under contract until 2027-2028 with a salary of $39.5 million this season, Morant remains eligible for a three-year, $178 million extension this summer. A crucial financial factor that could influence negotiations in the coming weeks.