Ja Morant Trade Rumors: Grizzlies Star’s Plunging Trade Stock Sparks Parallels to Mavericks $54M Player’s Situation

Ja Morant's time with the Memphis Grizzlies could end soon. There has been a disconnect between Morant and the Grizzlies organization. It stemmed from the star guard and the coaching staff not seeing eye-to-eye. Following that, there have been talks about a potential trade.

Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, Morant doesn't have a commanding stock in the trade market. The mix of his past off-court issues and injuries has affected his tradeability. ESPN's Tim Bontemps reported on Thursday that Memphis is expected to explore the value the team could get for the star guard.

However, his lack of improvement could make it difficult for the franchise to move his contract.

“Given Morant hasn't improved as a shooter -- he was an abysmal 10-for-60 from 3 before his latest calf injury -- it's easy to see why he's not the same player who electrified the league and appeared to have Memphis on a championship-caliber trajectory a few short years ago,” Bontemps wrote.

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The league insider even compared him to Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis. The injuries to the $54 million player have affected his trade value, making it a challenge to trade him.

“Sources expect Memphis to explore the trade market for Morant but, like Davis, believe it will be difficult to get value for him. ‘I do think they'll move him,’ a West scout said.”

Ja Morant has appeared in 12 games this 2025-26 NBA season, averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists. His numbers this season are close to his averages in his rookie season. But Morant has struggled to put the ball on the floor, only making 35.9% of his shots from the field and 16.6% of his 3s.

A change of scenery could help improve Morant's shooting. But it will be a significant gamble for any team to trade for the two-time All-Star.

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Zach Lowe said that teams believe Ja Morant wants to leave Memphis

Many clubs in the league think that Ja Morant intends to leave the Grizzlies, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN. The logic came from Morant's lackluster play. Lowe talked about it on Tuesday's episode of "The Zach Lowe Show."

"I will say with Ja — teams that are watching him, and I talked to one of them over the weekend — they’re throwing his current level of play into the trash. They’re saying, 'This looks to us like a guy who wants out'," Lowe said (Timestamp: 55:13).

Some teams have ignored Ja Morant's disappointing play this season. Those who are monitoring the situation in Memphis are more focused on what Morant can bring down the line.

The former Murray State guard has shown in the past that he can be a franchise star. He just needs to be in a situation where he enjoys playing basketball.

Edited by Reign Amurao