Ja Morant Trade Rumors: Will Memphis Make a Franchise-Altering Move?

By Edcel Panganiban July 10, 2025 09:28

The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2025 offseason has been marked by surprising moves and swirling speculation, with the biggest question looming: Will the Grizzlies trade their star guard Ja Morant? After trading away key contributor Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in a blockbuster deal that netted Memphis four first-round picks and promising young players, the basketball world is abuzz with rumors about Morant’s future. Yet, the franchise’s intentions remain murky, creating a tense atmosphere around one of the NBA’s most electrifying talents.

Ja Morant, 25, has been the face of the Grizzlies since his 2019 draft selection, quickly emerging as one of the league’s premier point guards. His combination of explosive athleticism and playmaking has made Memphis a perennial playoff contender. However, his injury history playing just 59 games over the past two seasons and occasional off-court distractions have fueled speculation that the Grizzlies might consider a shakeup.

Despite the rumors, Memphis insiders and respected NBA reporter Shams Charania have indicated that the Grizzlies are still committed to building around Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Charania stated, “The Grizzlies are signaling privately that they will continue to build around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.” This suggests that, for now, the franchise views Morant as a cornerstone rather than a trade chip.

Morant himself has publicly addressed the swirling trade rumors, seeking to quell speculation. In a recent post on his official X account, he expressed frustration with the constant chatter, emphasizing his focus on Memphis and the upcoming season. His candidness underscores his desire to remain with the team and lead the franchise forward.

Still, the trade market has not been silent. One of the most talked-about proposals is a three-team trade that would send Morant to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for All-Star center Domantas Sabonis and multiple future first-round picks. Sabonis, a three-time All-Star, would pair intriguingly with Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis, but the trade’s value is debated. While the Kings would gain a dynamic scorer and playmaker, Memphis would receive valuable draft capital and a proven big man. Yet, critics argue this swap might not elevate the Grizzlies’ ceiling, as Sabonis’s style and contract demands differ significantly from Morant’s impact on the floor.

The Kings’ motivation to pursue Morant stems from their need to revitalize a point guard position weakened by recent roster changes. However, the Grizzlies’ front office reportedly views Morant as nearly untouchable unless an extraordinary offer emerges. The franchise’s recent moves, including trading Bane and bench contributor Jay Huff, appear aimed at creating salary cap flexibility and reshaping the roster around their core stars rather than dismantling it.

From a strategic standpoint, Memphis faces a delicate balancing act. Morant’s talent is undeniable he averaged 27.4 points and 7.3 assists per game last season when healthy but the team must weigh his injury risks and off-court issues against the potential rewards of a rebuild fueled by draft assets. As ESPN’s Tim Bontemps notes, “More star trades are not expected,” signaling that the Grizzlies are likely to stay the course with Morant and Jackson for the foreseeable future.

While trade rumors involving Ja Morant have captured headlines and sparked intense debate, the Memphis Grizzlies appear committed to their star guard as the foundation of their franchise. Morant’s own statements and the front office’s recent moves suggest that any blockbuster trade would require a truly franchise-altering offer. For now, the Grizzlies are betting on Morant’s talent and leadership to guide them deeper into the playoffs, leaving fans and analysts alike watching closely to see if this offseason will bring stability or seismic change to Memphis basketball.