Just a few seasons ago, the Memphis Grizzlies looked like the next Western Conference powerhouse, coming off consecutive 50-win campaigns in 2021-22 and 2022-23. But injuries and off-court challenges—especially those involving star guard Ja Morant—have since slowed their momentum.
The 2024-25 season ended on a sour note, with the Grizzlies getting swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder. As they head into the offseason, questions about the team’s direction are swirling—none more pressing than Ja Morant’s future in Memphis.
Trade Talks Gaining Traction
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, there’s growing speculation around the league that Morant could be on the trading block this summer.
“Zach Kleiman [Grizzlies GM] remains fully committed to Ja Morant, and I haven’t heard anything suggesting that commitment isn’t mutual,” MacMahon said on the Hoop Collective podcast (April 28). “But there’s definitely chatter around the league about Morant potentially being available.”
Why a Trade Makes Sense
MacMahon cited Morant’s injury record and recent performance as potential reasons the Grizzlies might consider a move.
“He misses a lot of games and gets hurt often,” MacMahon noted. “When I talk to GMs, scouts, and executives, no one’s calling him a top 10 player based on what he’s shown this year.”
He added that Memphis hasn’t been shy about making bold decisions. After a disappointing season, the team parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins before the end of the regular season.
“They only had one win against a team with a winning record after January,” MacMahon pointed out. “This core—once seen as a future title contender—has only won one playoff series in five years together. They’re clearly not where they hoped to be.”
A Disappointing Year for Morant
The 2024-25 season was another tough one for Morant. Following a nine-game campaign the year before, he managed just 50 games this season. In his six-year career, Morant has never played more than 70 games—a troubling trend for a franchise centerpiece.
Statistically, it was a down year as well. Morant averaged 23.2 points per game, his lowest since his second season, and 7.3 assists, his fewest in three years. He also recorded his worst shooting percentage since 2021 (45.4%) and continued to struggle from three-point range (30%).
His season ended in Game 3 of the playoffs after suffering a hip injury. The Grizzlies had a commanding 29-point lead at the time, looking poised to make the series competitive. Teammate Scottie Pippen Jr. later expressed confidence that the team might have turned the series around if Morant had stayed healthy.
“We felt good,” Pippen said on Run It Back. “We were winning at home, and in the playoffs, home court matters. Game 3, we were up big before Ja went down. Even in Game 4, we competed.”
Teams to Watch
If Memphis decides to trade Morant, several teams are expected to be in the mix. The Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets are reportedly among the most likely suitors.