The Memphis Grizzlies emphatically claimed in February that they have zero interest in trading away two-time All-Star point guard Ja Morant.
The rest of the NBA isn’t so sure about that.
Despite the denials on the Grizzlies’ side of things, there remains plenty of “whispering and rumbling” about Morant’s potential availability, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. There’s also some debate inside the Association about whether Morant “is a top-10 player when he’s healthy anymore,” per MacMahon.
If nothing else, the vibes appear to be less than immaculate on Beale Street, with the Grizzlies having a single playoff series victory to show for the entirety of Morant’s six-year tenure. Memphis already ditched former head coach Taylor Jenkins, so it’s possible more changes could be coming this summer.
Should the Grizzlies decide they’re prepared to pave a new path without Morant, they should find a number of suitors willing to make that happen. Five teams in particular loom as logical landing spots, so we’ve thrown together and analyzed some hypothetical trade packages.
These are presented as frameworks of a deal and not necessarily exact dollar-for-dollar swaps given the incomplete nature of most NBA payrolls at this juncture.
Miami Heat
Heat receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Tyler Herro, Nikola Jović and a 2025 first-round pick (via GSW)
Why Heat Do It
The Heat have long been on the lookout for a fix to their offensive woes. Plus, they’re a logical suitor whenever a star reaches the trade market. There are myriad reasons to think they’d want in on a Morant megadeal, not the least of which is how his competitive drive seems like a snug fit with their famed #culture.
While Miami’s offensive spacing could get squeezed between Morant and Bam Adebayo, those two could still work magic in the pick-and-roll game and in the open floor. Plus, that’s less of a concern if Miami managed to fill its other three starting spots with viable long-range shooters, which could be possible if rookie big man Kel’el Ware crushes his developmental work this offseason.
Why Grizzlies Do It
If Memphis seeks out established talent in return for Morant, Herro might be the best player this front office can hope to get. While he slowed down a touch in the second half of the season and basically stalled out in the playoffs, the 25-year-old just earned his first All-Star nod this year and was one of only eight players to average at least 23 points, five assists and three three-pointers per game.
Houston Rockets
Rockets receive: Ja Morant and Jay Huff
Grizzlies receive: Fred VanVleet, Cam Whitmore, 2025 first-round pick (via PHX) and 2028 first-round pick (top-four protected)
Why Rockets Do It
Houston’s failure to launch this postseason was directly tied to its offensive deficiencies. The Rockets averaged only 93.3 points in their four losses to the Golden State Warriors, which is an untenable number even for a defense as feisty as theirs.
Why Grizzlies Do It
If Memphis moves on from Morant, it probably won’t want to take a back a fully future-focused package. Not when Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are still around to lead this competitive roster. VanVleet, who contributed to the Toronto Raptors’ championship run in 2019 and has made 59 career playoff appearances, could up their competitiveness and give guidance on what’s required to win at the highest level.
New Orleans Pelicans
Pelicans receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones and a 2026 first-round pick (top-four protected via IND)
Why Pelicans Do It
While New Orleans could probably be talked into trading Zion Williamson at the right price, the Pels still seem intrigued by his what-if possibilities should he ever manage to avoid the injury bug. And if they ever coax a healthy campaign out of him, they have to make the most of it.
Why Grizzlies Do It
If Memphis wants to maximize competitiveness in its post-Morant chapter, this could be one of the best ways to do it. Jones would be a massive get as an elite big-wing stopper, and while he’s a limited shooter, he still manages to make his mark offensively.
The Grizzlies would have to wait on Murray’s recovery from a torn Achilles that he suffered in January, but assuming he gets back to 100 percent, he could challenge for top-10 status at the point. Add a future first-rounder to the pile, and that’s a fairly compelling haul for a two-time All-Star with significant availability concerns.
