The Memphis Grizzlies and their franchise player, Ja Morant, are embroiled in a tense and public dance ahead of the February 5 NBA trade deadline.
While Morant has made his desire to remain in Memphis resoundingly clear, multiple reports indicate the Grizzlies’ front office is actively “entertaining trade offers” for the two-time All-Star point guard.
This unfolding saga presents a classic conflict of sports business versus player loyalty, complicated by a season marred by injury, underperformance, and reported friction within the organization.
Morant’s Unwavering Public Commitment
Amidst swirling rumors, Ja Morant has left little ambiguity about where his heart lies. After a standout performance in a London game against the Orlando Magic on January 19, 2026,
He emphasized his personal character, adding, “If anybody in here knows me I’m a very loyal guy.”. Morant stressed that representing Memphis “is what it’s all about”.
His recent comments are his strongest and most direct effort to affirm his commitment to the only NBA franchise he has ever played for since being drafted 2nd overall in 2019.
The Grizzlies’ Complicated Position
Despite Morant’s wishes, the business of basketball appears to be moving in a different direction. According to league insiders, the Grizzlies are taking calls on Morant and have “mutual interest” with the player in exploring a separation before the deadline.
Several factors are driving this potential split:
- On-Court Struggles and Fit: Morant is experiencing the least efficient season of his career, averaging 19.3 points on 40.7% shooting from the field his lowest scoring since his rookie year.
- Reports cite significant friction with first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo over offensive strategy and playing time management, including a one-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team”.
- Injury History: Availability has been a persistent issue. Morant is on pace for his third consecutive season playing fewer than 60 games, a major concern for a team investing in him as a cornerstone.
- A Depressed Market: The Grizzlies’ timing may be unfortunate. The recent trade of another star point guard, Trae Young, yielded a modest return for the Atlanta Hawks, highlighting a league-wide lack of demand for high-usage, defensively challenged players at the position.
Contract and Potential Trade Landscape
Morant’s contract situation adds another layer. He is in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million “designated rookie” max extension. He is earning $39.4 million this season
Crucially, Morant does not have a no-trade clause in his contract. This means that while he can express his preference to stay, the final decision on a trade rests solely with the Grizzlies’ management.
Media analysts have proposed several hypothetical trade destinations, with the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Toronto Raptors frequently mentioned as potential fits.
Key Information Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Player’s Stance | Has not requested a trade; publicly declared loyalty to Memphis and desire to stay. |
| Team’s Stance | Actively entertaining trade offers and calls from other teams. |
| Contract Status | 3 years, ~$126.5M remaining ($39.4M in 2025-26). No no-trade clause. |
| Season Performance | 19.3 PPG, 7.8 APG on career-worst 40.7% FG shooting in 19 games. |
| Major Complications | Reported friction with coach; significant injury history; a cooled point guard trade market. |
| Key Date | NBA Trade Deadline: February 5, 2026, 3 p.m. ET. |
The Path Forward
With less than three weeks until the deadline, the situation remains fluid. The Grizzlies face a difficult choice: honor the wishes of their homegrown superstar and hope for a return to his All-NBA form, or capitalize on his remaining value now to catalyze a roster rebuild.
As one insider summarized, the momentum currently leans toward a trade. “I would lean more towards no [that he stays] based on what we know,” said Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal.
I hope this article provides a clear overview of this developing NBA story. If you’re interested, I can provide more details about Ja Morant’s career achievements or the specific trade proposals analysts have suggested.
