DHJ Quick Take
- Imminent Departure: ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright report that the Memphis Grizzlies are widely expected to trade Ja Morant this offseason, potentially ending the tenure of the 2019 second-overall pick.
- Irreparable Relationship: Morant has reportedly told former coaches and players around the league that he is “done” playing for Memphis, signaling a desire for a fresh start elsewhere.
- Lingering Resentment: The rift stems from a season-long suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team”; Morant reportedly felt alienated by the organization during that period and has not moved past the disciplinary action
The Memphis Grizzlies are widely expected to trade Ja Morant this offseason, according to Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright of ESPN.
Morant has told players around the league and some of his former coaches that he’s done playing for the Grizzlies, who selected him with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Murray State.
A two-time All-Star, Morant still hasn’t gotten over the Grizzlies suspending him earlier this season for conduct detrimental to the team.
“Morant still hasn’t gotten over the suspension, multiple league sources said, because he felt alienated by teammates, who were told to leave the star guard alone so he could work through the issues that had led to the suspension. In the aftermath, Morant told players around the league and some of his former coaches that he isn’t playing for Memphis anymore, sources said,” MacMahon and Wright wrote.
Morant will make $42.1 million next season and $44 million in the 2027-28 season, the last year of his contract. The 26-year-old point guard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can’t control where the Grizzlies trade him this offseason.
In 20 games for Memphis this season, Morant averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists per contest while shooting 41.0% from the field, 23.5% from beyond the arc and 89.7% from the free-throw line. The 2019-20 Rookie of the Year has led the Grizzlies to the second round of the playoffs just once. That was back in 2022.
Morant holds career averages of 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. He’s been linked to the Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves in trade rumors.
“Maybe I’m naive, but that type of talent doesn’t grow on trees,” a Western Conference executive told ESPN. “Especially if he’s going to a different place and he’s motivated: ‘OK, I’ll show you guys.’ I could see some teams talking themselves into it, at least kicking the tires.”
The Grizzlies conducted their 2025-26 exit interviews on Monday, April 13, and Morant didn’t speak. We have probably seen the last of Morant as a member of the Memphis organization.
If the Grizzlies trade Morant this offseason, his best game with the organization was on February 28, 2022, against the San Antonio Spurs. Morant had a career-high 52 points that night.
Latest NBA News & Rumors At Dallas Hoops Journal
- Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Dončić Reacts To Being Eligible For End-Of-Season Awards: ‘I Am Grateful’
- NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Send Kyrie Irving To Minnesota Timberwolves In 3-Team Offseason Blockbuster
- Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves Remain Out Indefinitely For Los Angeles Lakers
- LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard Could All Be On New Teams Next Season
- New Orleans Pelicans ‘Have No Intentions’ Of Trading Zion Williamson This Offseason
- Anthony Davis To Speak With Washington Wizards’ Brass About Future: ‘What Is Our Plan For Winning’
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls Milwaukee Bucks’ Decision To Bench Him ‘Disrespectful’
