As the NBA Trade Deadline nears its final stages, one of the most discussed names is Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant. The Grizzlies’ recent actions, such as trading Jaren Jackson Jr., are clear signs the organization is planning a new future without Morant leading the way.
An NBA champion issued a direct statement on Morant’s current status and warned about his future.
NBA Champion Says Ja Morant’s NBA Future Is In Jeopardy
Speaking on “NBA Today,” NBA champion Kendrick Perkins discussed Morant and said the future of his NBA career is on the line. Perkins said,
“I usually joke when I say this little saying, one foot in the grave, the other on a banana peel, but I’m dead serious when I say this, that’s the situation when it comes down to Ja. He has one foot on the grave, the other on a banana peel when it comes to his career. Ja Morant better wake the hell up, cuz in 2 years after this contract, he could find himself out the league.”
Perk on Ja:
“He has one foot on the grave the other on the banana peel when it comes down to his career. Ja Morant better wake the hell up cuz in 2 years after this contract he could find himself out of the league” pic.twitter.com/zBb7y0m2sf
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 5, 2026
At 20-29, the Grizzlies are now prioritizing the future, which puts Morant in a tough situation. It wasn’t that long ago when the two-time All-Star was considered in the discussion for the future face of the NBA. Fans loved his charisma and elite athleticism. However, Morant’s status in the league has declined over the last few years, starting with his 2023 suspension for personal conduct.
Now, as Perkins points out, Morant is at a career crossroads. He’s averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game this season, with an almost career-low efficiency across the board. He’s been at odds with Grizzlies Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo at times, leading to a one-game suspension earlier this season.
Morant has shown flashes of his previous All-NBA-level play, such as scoring 40 points against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 30th and recording consecutive double-doubles against the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks in mid-January. However, it’s not enough for interested teams to meet the Grizzlies’ demands in trade talks.
Morant has two years left on his max contract, and while Perkins believes his NBA future is now on the line, it’s very likely his next deal will not be anywhere near the max if he’s still playing. It’s a truly shocking development for someone who should be entering the prime of their career at age 26.
