Ja Morant appears likely to remain with the Memphis Grizzlies. While there were recent reports suggesting the team explored his trade market, indications are that the franchise intends to keep him for now.
Morant’s talent is unquestioned, but his tenure in Memphis has been marked by off-court issues and significant injury concerns. Given those factors, it is reasonable to suggest the Grizzlies’ decision not to move him may have been influenced more by limited trade interest than by a firm commitment to his long-term role
Analyst Warns Grizzlies of Tough Truth About Ja Morant’s Trade Market
Bluff City Media Grizzlies’ Anthony Sain made the point that trading Morant may not be about capitalizing on his value, but more about simply getting rid of him because that’s what his market dictates
“There’s not gonna be a good deal,” Sain said on his eponymous show. “It’s gonna be a bad deal. There’s no good deal for Ja. I don’t understand what it would take for people to see that. … Ja is making $40 million a year. Nobody’s going to give you a piece they can get first-round picks for for Ja Morant.”
Sain then referenced the Trae Young-to-Washington trade to illustrate what Morant would fetch.
“The Trae Young deal happened, bro,” Sain said. “It’s the reference point. It’s why when that deal happened, I ran to the show and was like, ‘Y’all better look at this.’ … because this for same (expletive) is about to happen for Memphis.”
“At what point do the Grizzlies just take the best deal for Ja Morant and move on?”
“I think that’s where we are. There’s not gonna be a good deal. It’s gonna be a bad deal. There’s no good deal for Ja. I don’t understand what it would take for people to see that.” @SainAsylum https://t.co/IygQnwjXTm pic.twitter.com/ieuOJlW16M
— Dru (@dru_star) January 26, 2026
After years of trying to build the right team around him, the Atlanta Hawks admitted defeat and dumped him to Washington for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Shortly after, the Grizzlies reportedly began exploring the market for Morant. The timing suggested Memphis recognized Morant’s value was comparable to Young’s and that significant returns were unlikely.
Morant’s contract complicates the situation. He is compensated at the level of a franchise cornerstone but has struggled to meet that standard in recent seasons due to injuries and off-court issues. As a result, his trade market remains limited.
The Grizzlies now face a difficult choice: commit to Morant despite the risks, move him for a modest return, or hope he can restore his value.
