Speculation around Ja Morant Trade has intensified sharply as the NBA edges closer to the February trade deadline, with the Memphis Grizzlies now openly listening to offers for their franchise guard. What once felt unthinkable has gradually become plausible: Memphis is no longer shutting the door on Morant discussions, and a growing list of teams has registered interest.
League sources indicate that Memphis’ front office has shifted its stance amid an uneven season marked by injuries, inconsistency, and broader questions about roster direction. Morant, still one of the league’s most explosive guards when healthy, remains under contract through the 2027–28 season, but the Grizzlies are understood to be prioritising draft capital and young assets rather than star-for-star swaps.
Grizzlies Open the Market as Interest Grows For Ja Morant Trade
The Grizzlies’ willingness to entertain offers has triggered widespread league-wide monitoring. Executives around the NBA believe Memphis is at least exploring whether reshaping its core could accelerate a reset built around flexibility and future picks. While Morant’s talent is unquestioned, concerns surrounding availability, durability and off-court scrutiny have influenced how teams value him in trade talks.
Morant himself has struck a pragmatic tone in recent comments, indicating he would “live with it” if a trade were to materialise. That stance has only encouraged rival teams to test Memphis’ resolve, knowing the player is unlikely to publicly resist a move if the organisation decides to pivot.
Also Read: Will Ja Morant Play NBA Berlin 2026 Game vs. Orlando Magic on Thursday? Latest Update
Miami, Milwaukee and Familiar Suitors
Among the most frequently mentioned teams, the Miami Heat continue to hover around the conversation. Miami’s interest has been linked to a desire for a dynamic offensive engine who can shift defensive attention and inject pace into their half-court-heavy approach. While cap mechanics and asset depth complicate a deal, Morant’s name continues to surface in Heat-related discussions.
The Milwaukee Bucks have also been loosely connected to Morant through league chatter and betting-market signals. Pairing Morant with Giannis Antetokounmpo would instantly create one of the most devastating inside-outside duos in the league. However, Milwaukee’s limited draft flexibility and salary-matching challenges make any deal complex rather than imminent.
Out West, the Sacramento Kings remain a long-standing speculative suitor. Sacramento’s interest is seen as strategic rather than urgent, tied to a belief that Morant could elevate them from playoff regulars to genuine contenders if the right deal presents itself.
Pelicans Emerge as a Serious Contender For Ja Morant Trade
The most notable new development is the Pelicans’ entry into the Morant sweepstakes. League insiders confirm that New Orleans has made exploratory contact with Memphis, seeking clarity on the Grizzlies’ asking price and trade framework. While the Pelicans were not initially viewed as a front-runner, their inquiry signals a willingness to consider a bold reshaping of their roster.
New Orleans’ interest appears driven by frustration with offensive inconsistency and a search for a true lead guard capable of dictating tempo. Morant’s ability to collapse defences, generate rim pressure and energise a stagnant attack makes him an appealing theoretical fit. However, reports caution that the Pelicans are reluctant to part with key young pieces, which could limit how aggressive their pursuit ultimately becomes.
From Memphis’ perspective, any Pelicans-led offer would need to align with the Grizzlies’ priority for picks and developmental assets rather than established veterans. That tension could determine whether New Orleans’ interest progresses beyond preliminary conversations.
Other Teams Monitoring the Situation
Beyond the headline names, the Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves have also been mentioned in league circles as teams monitoring Morant’s availability. In both cases, interest is believed to be conditional, dependent on price and long-term roster planning rather than an immediate push.
Meanwhile, speculation involving larger-market teams continues to circulate, though many are constrained by existing backcourt commitments or limited trade capital. At this stage, several franchises appear content to stay informed rather than actively bid.
What Happens Next
With weeks remaining before the deadline, the Morant market remains fluid. Memphis has not committed to moving him but is clearly gauging the landscape. The inclusion of the Pelicans broadens that market and adds competitive tension that could influence negotiations with other teams.
Whether Morant is ultimately traded or retained, the current situation represents a defining moment for the Grizzlies’ direction and a reminder of how quickly league dynamics can shift. For now, Miami, Milwaukee, Sacramento and New Orleans form the core group to watch — with Toronto and Minnesota lurking on the periphery — as one of the NBA’s most electrifying talents sits at the centre of the deadline’s most compelling storyline.
