The Memphis Grizzlies are actively shopping guard Ja Morant, who is described as "flagrantly available" in trade discussions. This comes as the franchise pivots toward a new direction after selecting Cam Boozer with the third pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, as seen in a trending post on r/nba. Morant's future with the team remains uncertain, and interest from other teams has been tepid.
Why it matters: The Grizzlies' attempts to trade Morant signal a major shift in their roster strategy. With the addition of Boozer, they aim to build a new core, leaving Morant's status as a former franchise centerpiece in question.
Morant has two years remaining on his contract, worth approximately $87 million, which makes potential trades complicated for interested teams.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN emphasized that Morant's lack of trade interest stems from the risk associated with his contract length.
Injuries have limited Morant to just 20 games last season, raising concerns about his long-term viability.
Driving the news: Windhorst's comments on ESPN's Unsportsmanlike highlighted the urgency of the Grizzlies' situation. "If Ja had one year left on his contract, I think he would have been traded months ago," he stated, indicating that teams are hesitant to absorb the risk of a long-term deal.
Morant's recent performance has been below expectations, averaging only 19.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists during the last season.
His contract includes $42.2 million for the 2026-27 season and $44.9 million for 2027-29, making him a costly acquisition for any team.
Windhorst noted that Memphis is highly motivated to trade Morant, especially following the recent departures of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson.
State of play: The Grizzlies are in a transitional phase, aiming to reset their franchise identity around new talent. Morant's trade rumors have been persistent, but concrete offers have yet to materialize.
Morant's off-court issues and injuries have contributed to a decline in his performance, making teams cautious about pursuing him.
One unnamed team is reportedly considered the frontrunner for Morant, though no deal has been finalized.
The Grizzlies are likely to require additional compensation to facilitate a trade, complicating negotiations.
The big picture: The Grizzlies' strategy reflects a broader trend in the NBA where teams are willing to move on from established players to embrace a fresh start.
The selection of Boozer, a talented prospect, suggests that Memphis is serious about building a new core around younger players.
Morant's past performance as an All-Star raises questions about his potential value if he can return to form.
Trade discussions involving Morant may continue to evolve as the offseason progresses.
What they're saying: Windhorst's insights have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike about Morant's future.
"I just can't see him playing for the Grizzlies again," Windhorst remarked, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Morant's tenure in Memphis.
Fans are divided on whether trading Morant is the right move, weighing his past successes against his recent struggles.
By the numbers: Morant's statistics from the previous season highlight his decline and the urgency for the Grizzlies to act.
In the 2025-26 season, Morant played only 20 games, averaging 19.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists.
His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) stood at 16.2, indicating a drop from his previous All-Star levels.
Morant is signed through the 2026-27 season for $42.2 million and $44.9 million for 2027-29, totaling approximately $87 million left on his contract.
What's next: As the offseason continues, the Grizzlies are expected to explore all options for Morant, including potential trades that could redefine their roster.
With the draft completed, teams are assessing their needs, and Morant's situation will likely remain a focal point in trade discussions.
Expect more updates as negotiations progress and the Grizzlies seek to finalize their plans for the upcoming season.
For now, Morant’s future hangs in the balance, with fans eagerly awaiting the next move from Memphis.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.