The Memphis Grizzlies explored the possibility of trading Ja Morant during this month’s trade window. While the team made strong efforts to move the two-time All-Star, they were unable to secure a deal before the deadline passed.
Around the league, however, there was growing belief that one Eastern Conference contender was seriously considering a move for the guard.
Report Points To Milwaukee Bucks As Real Deadline Suitor for Ja Morant
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer in the Feb. 22 edition of Marc Stein’s Substack, the Milwaukee Bucks emerged as a team whose interest in Morant was viewed as legitimate by rival front offices
“One scenario that has to be filed away – for all the justified questions about fit – is the prospect of Milwaukee trading for Morant,” Fischer wrote.
He added, “Numerous teams came away from the deadline believing that the Bucks’ interest in Morant was genuine … whether that was to install him as their eventual successor to Antetokounmpo as Face of the Franchise or because they believe they could actually make a Giannis-and-Ja pairing work.”
The timing of the Grizzlies exploring Morant’s market was not coincidental. The organization has already begun reshaping its roster. They moved Desmond Bane and later traded Jaren Jackson Jr. in exchange for three first-round picks and young rotation pieces, including Taylor Hendricks, Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, and Georges Niang.
The Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat were among the teams that expressed interest in Morant, though talks with both franchises ultimately stalled.
Morant’s situation this season has complicated any potential move. The 26-year-old has appeared in just 20 of Memphis’ 53 games in 2025-26. Injuries have defined much of his campaign, and he is currently sidelined with a left elbow UCL sprain. The team announced on Feb. 18 that he will be reevaluated in two weeks after last playing on Jan. 21 against the Atlanta Hawks.
When available, Morant has averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists while shooting 41.0% from the field and 23.5% from three-point range. Memphis is also just 7-13 in the games in which he has played this season.
Contractually, Morant remains tied to the Grizzlies long-term. He signed a five-year, $197,230,450 deal and still has three years remaining. He will also be eligible to sign a three-year, $178 million extension this summer.
Meanwhile, Memphis sits in 11th place with a 21-33 record, outside the play-in tournament picture as the regular season moves toward its final stretch. A healthy Morant could still impact several late-season outcomes, though any improvement in the standings would also affect the team’s draft positioning if it remains in the lottery mix.
For now, Morant’s next step is recovery as he awaits reevaluation, while the Grizzlies continue navigating the remainder of a season that has already shifted them toward a longer-term timeline.
