LB9 X NBA : Ja Morant Trade Rumors - Possible Destinations If the Grizzlies Decide to Move On.

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies appear to be heading toward a breaking point.

The franchise recently handed the explosive guard a one-game suspension for making comments deemed detrimental to the team, while Morant himself admitted to reporters that he’s “lost his joy” after the Grizzlies’ third consecutive defeat on Monday night.

Tension between Morant and head coach Tuomas Iisalo seems to be bubbling beneath the surface — and if things continue to spiral, the former Rookie of the Year could soon find himself on the trade block.

Morant is still under contract through the 2027–28 season, with a deal worth $126.5 million in total — including $39.4 million for this campaign. His combination of elite athleticism and off-court baggage makes his trade value complex; some front offices may hesitate despite his undeniable star power.

The Grizzlies were once one of the NBA’s most promising young teams, winning 51 games in the 2022–23 season. But a 25-game suspension in 2023 for flashing a firearm on social media, coupled with recurring injury problems, has derailed both Morant’s trajectory and Memphis’ rise.

Still, in today’s NBA, every player has a price. If Memphis decides it’s time to part ways, several franchises could line up to take a swing at the high-flying All-Star.

Here are four potential trade destinations if the Grizzlies and Ja Morant decide it’s time for a clean break.

Atlanta Hawks

Proposed Trade: Memphis Grizzlies receive: Trae Young Atlanta Hawks receive: Ja Morant + $6.6 million trade exception

This deal presents one of the cleanest swaps imaginable — an All-Star point guard for another All-Star point guard.

Trae Young, currently sidelined with a knee injury, is approaching the end of his contract unless he picks up his $49 million player option for the 2026–27 season. A trade-and-extension with Memphis could reset that clock, allowing him to tack on three more years (or wait six months for a four-year deal).

From Memphis’ perspective, securing Young would only make sense if he’s fully committed long-term. The Grizzlies can’t afford to lose Morant without knowing their new floor general is staying for the rebuild. Meanwhile, Young’s relationship with the Hawks has reportedly cooled, and whispers around the league suggest both sides could be open to a fresh start.

For Atlanta, this deal keeps them competitive while offering financial flexibility. Morant’s contract runs longer and costs less annually, giving the Hawks more time to evaluate if he’s their next franchise cornerstone — without immediately locking into another mega-deal.

Both teams stay comfortably under the luxury tax, and while the Grizzlies might have to wait for Young’s full recovery, they’d at least bring an end to the ongoing Morant saga with a proven scorer ready to lead the next chapter.

Phoenix Suns

Proposed Trade: Memphis Grizzlies receive: Jalen Green, 2027 first-round pick, $5.9 million trade exception Phoenix Suns receive: Ja Morant

This potential deal comes down to how highly the Grizzlies value Jalen Green — one of the NBA’s most polarizing young guards.

At just 23, Green is an explosive scorer with elite athleticism, but his consistency remains in question. His first playoff experience with Houston was rocky, save for one standout Game 2 performance against Golden State. Still, his upside is undeniable — and his contract, worth $105.8 million through 2027 (with an early opt-out option), is more team-friendly than Morant’s.

For the Suns, this move would be all about upgrading star power and filling a glaring hole at point guard. Ja Morant’s playmaking and pace could inject new life into Phoenix’s offense, easing the burden on Kevin Durant and Devin Booker while giving the team a much-needed slasher and creator.

The Suns would part with their only tradeable first-round pick — the lowest of the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, or Jazz selections — but the payoff could be huge if Morant rediscovers his All-NBA form.

From Memphis’ side, this trade resets the timeline. They’d gain a dynamic young scorer, a valuable future asset, and the chance to move past the Morant drama before it overshadows the rest of their campaign.

Miami Heat

Proposed Trade: Memphis Grizzlies receive: Tyler Herro, $8.4 million trade exception Miami Heat receive: Ja Morant

Miami has long been searching for a star-level guard to elevate their roster, and Ja Morant fits the bill with his elite athleticism and playmaking. While he may need time to adapt to the Heat’s structured offensive system, the organization could bet on his raw talent and hope their culture of discipline and work ethic helps smooth the transition.

For Memphis, acquiring Tyler Herro addresses multiple needs. Herro is a proven scorer and made his first All-Star appearance last year, but questions remain about Miami’s commitment to him — the two sides couldn’t reach an extension before the season began. He’s expected to return from an ankle injury later this month, meaning the Grizzlies may need patience before he’s fully available.

This trade also offers Memphis a clean break from the Morant saga while reducing immediate salary obligations. Meanwhile, the Heat gain a dynamic, high-upside point guard capable of energizing their lineup, with Morant potentially transforming Miami’s backcourt alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

Sacramento Kings

Proposed Three-Team Trade Scenario:

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, Dennis Schröder, 2026 protected first-round pick, 2027 protected San Antonio Spurs first-round pick (via Sacramento), $6.5 million trade exception (from Ja Morant)

Sacramento Kings Receive: Ja Morant, GG Jackson (from Memphis), Jalen Wilson (via Brooklyn), $5.4 million trade exception (Dario Šarić), $2.3 million trade exception (Keon Ellis)

Brooklyn Nets Receive: John Konchar, 2029 Portland Trail Blazers second-round pick (via Memphis), Dario Šarić, 2026 protected Charlotte Hornets second-round pick, cash (all via Sacramento)

In this multi-team deal, Brooklyn would free up roster space by cutting Tyrese Martin to accommodate Šarić and Konchar from Memphis. The Nets benefit by collecting two future second-round picks and additional cash for facilitating the trade. Schröder’s trade restriction means the deal could only be finalized after December 15.

Sacramento lands the marquee prize in Ja Morant, instantly upgrading their star power, while Memphis gains a trio of solid guards and two future first-round picks, providing both depth and draft flexibility. While Monk, Ellis, and Schröder don’t carry the All-Star pedigree of players like Trae Young or Tyler Herro, this package may be the most realistic route for Memphis to maximize draft assets, as other teams may be less willing to part with first-round selections for Morant.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Memphis Grizzlies – Minnesota Timberwolves Trade Concept

Memphis Receives: Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham Minnesota Receives: Ja Morant, Jock Landale, GG Jackson II, $10.8 million trade exception

While it might seem unlikely that Minnesota has the perfect package to acquire Ja Morant, with core players like Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels off-limits, Rudy Gobert represents the most feasible centerpiece for a trade. According to John Krawczynski of The Athletic, the Timberwolves have “checked in” with Memphis, making this scenario worth exploring.

In this deal, Memphis clears the Morant situation while gaining an experienced presence in Mike Conley—who could even retire as a Grizzly—a defensive anchor in Gobert alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., and a young guard with high upside in Rob Dillingham. Conley fills an immediate point guard need given injuries, while Dillingham could play a bigger role in the team’s long-term plans.

From Minnesota’s perspective, adding Morant provides a dynamic, long-term solution at point guard, though how well he fits with their current core is debatable. The Timberwolves would also pay Gobert a $4.5 million trade bonus, with Landale’s trade restriction lifting December 15. While not perfect for either side, this trade represents an extreme but intriguing option if both teams are willing to take bold moves.

The Field

Many NBA teams might consider exploring a trade for Ja Morant, but obstacles like salary matching, asset value, cap restrictions, and luxury tax aprons make a straightforward deal difficult.

The Toronto Raptors could see Morant as an upgrade over Immanuel Quickley, but accommodating his $39.4 million salary this season complicates things. The Washington Wizards have some attractive short-term contracts and young assets, but whether Morant fits their timeline remains unclear.

Detroit might benefit from adding Morant, pairing him with Jaden Ivey and Tobias Harris, yet the team would need to weigh his off-court concerns against their long-term plans. Meanwhile, wild-card options like the Utah Jazz trying to accelerate their rebuild or the Charlotte Hornets preferring Morant over LaMelo Ball seem unlikely. Chicago may be hesitant too, as the Bulls are already competitive and integrating Morant could disrupt their balance.

Ultimately, while ideas will continue to circulate, Morant’s sizable contract, public criticism of coaching, and off-court controversies may keep teams cautious, making a clean trade with Memphis a challenging puzzle to solve.

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