The Memphis Grizzlies surprised the NBA world by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. This move signaled a potential rebuild in the near future. All eyes now shift to Ja Morant over the next two days to find out whether Memphis fully resets its roster.
What Does an Insider Say Is the Latest Update on Ja Morant’s Future With the Memphis Grizzlies?
Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line confirmed many people’s thoughts about the Grizzlies heading toward a rebuild without Morant.
“Multiple rival teams have said this week that the Grizzlies’ asking price for Morant has dropped dramatically, with Memphis officials apparently eager now to just move on from its longtime Face of the Franchise to truly launch their rebuild around second-year big man Zach Edey and rookie swingman Cedric Coward,” wrote the insiders.
The Grizzlies have dramatically dropped their asking price for Ja Morant and are eager to ship him out to start a rebuild around Zach Edey and Cedric Coward, per @TheSteinLine & @JakeLFischer
“Yet multiple rival teams have said this week that the Grizzlies’ asking price for… pic.twitter.com/urHGnxax5M
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2026
Memphis took Coward 11th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft after trading with the Portland Trail Blazers. He averages 13.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Coward won the starting job early in his rookie campaign and has shown strong flashes of defensive versatility and shotmaking skills.
Edey has only played 11 games this season due to offseason foot surgery and a stress reaction in his left ankle. However, he collected 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in just 25.8 minutes per game when he took the floor. While questions surround his long-term health, the 7-foot-3 center certainly showed he can be a dominant force down low.
Morant has seven seasons in a Grizzlies uniform. After winning the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year, he ascended to stardom in 2021, earning two All-Star selections and leading Memphis to back-to-back 51+ win seasons. However, the team did not find success in the playoffs. The Grizzlies never made it to the second round after they lost to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 semifinals.
Injuries and off-the-court issues certainly slowed Morant’s momentum in Memphis. He currently sits on the sidelines recovering from a UCL sprain in his left elbow. His production on the floor has also decreased ever since the 2022-23 campaign. Morant averages 19.5 points – the lowest mark since his sophomore campaign. The star guard also shoots a career-worst 41.0% fron the field and 23.% from beyond the arc.
Morant Fixes an Important Team Need for Miami Heat
The combination of decreased production and inconsistent availability gives teams a great opportunity to buy low on Morant. It seems Memphis is willing to let him go for a cheaper return than most expect.
The Miami Heat put their name into the Giannis Antetokounmpo and Morant trade sweepstakes. If they cannot land the Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar, Morant still helps them address an important hole in their roster. The Heat also would not have to give up Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, and multiple first-round picks for the Grizzlies’ star. Morant’s slashing, transition scoring, and passing vision would give Miami an extra option in its fast-paced offense.
