Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Grizzlies are open to trading Ja Morant

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 9, 2026 1:27 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies are at least open to a potential Ja Morant trade for the first time.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday that the Grizzlies are entertaining potential trade offers for Morant and may move him prior to the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The expectation is that the team would want young players or draft picks in any trade.

Morant has increasingly been the subject of trade rumors this season, but as recently as November, it was reported that Memphis still saw him as an integral part of the team’s future. However, the Grizzlies are just 16-21, and Morant is averaging just 19 points per game. That would be the lowest number of his career since his rookie campaign.

Morant signed a five-year, $197.2M designated rookie max extension before the 2022-23 campaign and is now in the third year of that deal. That means he is under contract through the 2027-28 season.

Multiple teams are pursuing Morant in trade talks and rival executives believe the Grizzlies would prioritize draft picks and young players in return, sources said. Morant, 26, is under contract with the Grizzlies through the 2027-28 season. https://t.co/lkVijnLeIR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2026

At this point, it is fair to question how much Morant would fetch in a trade. While undoubtedly talented, his off-court behavior may have alienated some teams, and the Grizzlies simply have not won consistently with him as their centerpiece.

Based on some claims, however, Morant might welcome a trade away from Memphis.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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