The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2024-25 season began with promise but concluded in disappointment. Despite a strong 36-18 start, the team faced internal turmoil, including the unexpected dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins in late March.
Under head coach Tuomas Iisalo, the Grizzlies secured a playoff berth but were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. A crucial moment came in Game 3 when star guard Ja Morant suffered a hip injury after a hard fall, leading to a historic collapse where Memphis squandered a 29-point lead.
Morant’s injury woes, coupled with his history of off-court issues, has fueled speculation about his future with the franchise.
While the Grizzlies’ front office publicly states they have “zero interest” in trading the two-time All-Star, league-wide rumors continue swirling. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on the Hoop Collective Podcast there is “whispering and rumbling” around the league related to Morant’s potential availability.
Amidst this uncertainty, Grizzlies’ star rookie Jaylen Wells expressed strong support for Morant. During an appearance on FanDuel’s NBA show “Run It Back,” Wells was asked about wanting to play with Morant next season.
“Oh, for sure,” he said. “I don’t know what Memphis is without Ja.”
Morant’s tenure with the Grizzlies has been marked by significant achievements, since becoming the face of the franchise following his selection as the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. In his five seasons with Memphis, Morant has led the team to the playoffs four times, including the 2022 season, when they lost in the second round to the Los Angeles Lakers.
As the offseason approaches, the Grizzlies face critical decisions regarding their roster, with Morant’s future at the forefront.
NBA Trade Idea Pairs Ja Morant With $197 Million West All-Star
Memphis drafted Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 draft. The franchise has won only one postseason series since then and Morant has gotten in trouble with the league office for showing a gun on IG live twice.
Some believe the Grizzlies should trade Morant this summer and build the roster around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. If that happens, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report thinks the New Orleans Pelicans should trade for Morant.
Buckley proposed that the Pelicans trade Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones and a 2026 first-round pick to the Grizzlies for Morant, who was AAU teammates with Zion Williamson.
“If they could just stay upright, they’d destroy defenses in transition and overpower them on pick-and-rolls,” Buckley wrote. “There is legitimate three-headed-monster potential with those two and Trey Murphy III, plus New Orleans would still have a solid supporting cast around it.”
Williamson was the first overall pick in the 2019 draft. He signed a five-year, $197 million extension with the Pelicans in 2022. The two-time All-Star has played in just 45% of his possible games with New Orleans.
Morant signed a five-year, $197 million extension with the Grizzlies in 2022 as well. The guard has never played in more than 67 games in a season.
Williamson appeared in 30 games for the Pelicans this season. He averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Meanwhile, Morant appeared in 50 games for the Grizzlies. He averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists.
If Memphis decides to trade Morant this summer, it will be intriguing to see which teams pursue a trade for the Murray State product.