The Memphis Grizzlies are, for the first time, willing to at least entertain the idea of moving Ja Morant as the franchise weighs the possibility of a broader reset rather than continued incremental tweaks.
While no decision has been finalized, league circles now view Morant as no longer completely untouchable, a notable shift from Memphis’ long-held stance.
Morant was eligible for a contract extension during the most recent offseason, yet the two sides never entered serious talks. The Grizzlies opted instead for patience, choosing to observe how circumstances evolved before committing further.
That approach closely resembles the path taken by the Atlanta Hawks when they delayed clarity on Trae Young before ultimately sending him to the Washington Wizards.
Importantly, Memphis has not closed the door on keeping Morant as a cornerstone, and internal conversations still include scenarios where he remains central to the franchise’s future.
However, by quietly signaling a willingness to listen ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, the Grizzlies have altered the league’s perception of Morant’s availability, opening the door to conversations that previously would not have progressed beyond the exploratory stage.
Grizzlies Open To Trading Ja Moranthttps://t.co/oqmlgEt7Sp
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 9, 2026
