Mar 9, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) fights for position against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) and center Zach Edey (14) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Grizzlies Player’s Honest Ja Morant Statement Amid Trade Rumors

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated May 7, 2025 1:34 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies had high hopes entering the All-Star break, holding the second-best record in the Western Conference and looking like they could be a problem come playoff time. However, problems were the only thing that happened leading up to the playoffs, as the Grizzlies dropped to eighth in the conference and fired head coach Taylor Jenkins.

Following a first-round series sweep from the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Grizzlies will have to ponder if they want to run it back with the same group again next year, as they haven't made many moves around this core. One name that continues to be rumored is Ja Morant, and teammate Jaylen Wells delivered a blunt statement about the trade rumors.

"I don't know what Memphis is without Ja."

Ja Morant Jaylen Wells

Hopefully, the Grizzlies keep these guards together this offseason... @MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons | @jaylen_wells pic.twitter.com/CjlzBtQTQM
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 7, 2025

"I don't know what Memphis is without Ja," Wells said on FanDuel TV's Run It Back. Coming off an impressive rookie season that will most certainly land him on an All-Rookie team, Wells doesn't seem to see a situation where Morant isn't with the Grizzlies.

Memphis selected Morant second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, and blossomed into a star by his third season in the league, finishing fifth in MVP voting. However, he has since regressed, playing in only 59 games over the last two seasons, and is still owed over $120 million on his contract with three years left.

Ja Morant could reportedly be on the trade market this offseason

“There's a lot of ‘whispering and rumbling’ around the league regarding Morant potentially being available on the trade market”

per @espn_macmahon pic.twitter.com/AmbcRhTkWF
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) April 28, 2025

If Morant does become available, he should still be a hot target for teams looking to add a dynamic guard in their backcourt. Set to turn 26 before the start of next season, there's still plenty of good basketball left for Morant if he can get and stay healthy.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: