NBA Rumors: Ja Morant Trade Talk Hits a Wall as League Interest Appears Ice Cold

Ja Morant (Image Credits: Imagn)

NBA Rumors: Ja Morant Trade Talk Hits a Wall as League Interest Appears Ice Cold

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Ayushi Bhardwaj | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 1:51 PM ET

For weeks, Ja Morant trade rumors have lingered across the NBA with little movement. Even after Memphis opened talks, league interest stayed quiet. Following the London win over Orlando, Morant addressed his future and strongly signaled loyalty.

On Saturday in London, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Orlando Magic, with Ja Morant posting 24 points and 13 assists in only 28 minutes. It was his first game back after missing six games due to injury.

Despite that showing, trade interest did not rise. Zach Lowe explained the situation on The Zach Lowe Show by The Ringer. “I have not found a team that has definitively said to me, ‘We’re definitely trying to get Ja Morant,’ and I have not heard anything since one good game happened,” Lowe said.

On January 9, Shams Charania reported that Memphis was, for the first time, entertaining offers for Morant. Still, Tim Bontemps later noted on ESPN’s Hoop Collective podcast that league interest remained very limited.

Memphis is also holding firm on price. General manager Zach Kleiman is seeking serious draft capital, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. That demand has cooled talks further.

Ja Morant Has Decided on His Grizzlies Future

Ja Morant (Image Credits: Imagn)

While rumors swirl, Morant’s stance has stayed steady. NBA insider Marc Stein said on SiriusXM NBA Radio that Morant wants to remain in Memphis and does not expect one strong game to change the front office’s view.

Morant echoed that message after the London win. He told reporters he is a very loyal person and said his Grizzlies logo tattoo should clearly show where he wants to be. Moreover, Toronto, Miami, and Milwaukee have no plans to acquire him either.

The situation of Morant, who has a heavy contract plus an average of 19.3 points, is still the primary reason for the market being so quiet. As February 5, the deadline day, gets closer, it seems that Morant will remain in Memphis.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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