Blockbuster Ja Morant trade idea would reshape Grizzlies, Kings

Ja Morant's time in Memphis is effectively over. The question now isn't whether the Grizzlies will move him, but rather who will take the risk of acquiring him and what they will give up to do so.

The fracture between Morant and the organization has been building for years. Two gun-related suspensions in 2023 cost him 33 games. Early in the 2025–26 season, first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo challenged Morant's leadership and effort during a postgame exchange in front of the team. 

Morant responded in a tone ESPN's Shams Charania described as "inappropriate and dismissive," earning a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. And it never recovered and according to ESPN, Morant has since told associates that he is done playing for the Grizzlies.

His production this season didn't help his leverage either. In just 20 games, Morant averaged 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. His season was cut short by injuries and suspension, and he shot a career-worst 41.0% from the field and 23.5% from three.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have already traded Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. Holding the 3rd, 16th, and 32nd picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, the franchise has enough options to rebuild its roster without Morant.

His chaotic history dropped his trade value a lot. League executives openly call Morant's trade value negative, with multiple front offices stating they can't trust him to stay on the court. He's still owed roughly $42 million next season and $48 million the year after.

Given that, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes proposes a complex trade sending Morant to Sacramento for DeMar DeRozan, De'Andre Hunter, and a top-10 protected 2030 first-round pick. This deal allows Memphis to shed a difficult contract, while Sacramento takes a high-risk gamble on a top-tier talent.

Trading Morant without giving up extra assets would be a big win for the Grizzlies' front office. However, the deal hinges on Sacramento taking a massive gamble, as the Kings have a history of bad trades and Morant’s availability remains a genuine red flag.

He has been linked to the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves as the offseason heats up. With the 2026 NBA Draft coming up later this month, a deal needs to get done as soon as possible. The longer Memphis waits, the worse the return gets.

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