Trade speculation surrounding Ja Morant has intensified in recent days following reports of a clash with Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo. But according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the franchise has not made the star guard available on the market—at least not yet.
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Windhorst addressed the growing rumors, clarifying that while discussions about Morant’s situation exist league-wide, there has been no indication that the Grizzlies are actively pursuing a deal.
“I have not heard that Ja Morant is available,” Windhorst said, via HoopsHype. “Have there been discussions that I have all day, every day—about transactions, about ‘Is it something people are thinking about? Could it happen?’ I have heard that.”
Windhorst emphasized that the number of teams realistically interested in Morant is small. “Let’s say there’s seven or eight teams that would consider upgrading their point guard position,” he said. “How many of those teams want Ja Morant that like that? It’s not seven or eight… maybe three or four, let’s say five. Then, how many of those five teams have a trade package Memphis would like? The needle eye gets really narrow.”
Morant’s on-court struggles have only added to the speculation. The two-time All-Star is averaging 18.9 points, 3.7 assists, and 8.1 rebounds per game this season but shooting just 35.2 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from beyond the arc.
His recent suspension for a postgame altercation with Iisalo after a loss to the Lakers further fueled questions about his future in Memphis.
Reportedly, the current market for Morant is limited, with teams reluctant to offer significant assets given his inconsistent form and off-court issues. League sources described most potential offers as “lowball,” reflecting concerns about his health, leadership, and long-term commitment.
Despite the noise, multiple teams are monitoring the situation. The Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves are among those keeping a close eye, though neither has initiated formal trade discussions. The Houston Rockets, while in need of a lead guard, are reportedly not pursuing Morant at this stage.
Memphis faces a difficult balancing act. Trading its franchise cornerstone would mark a seismic shift for a small-market team that has built much of its identity around Morant’s dynamic play. Yet, the organization has quietly shifted its focus toward Jaren Jackson Jr., who recently secured a contract extension, while Morant’s own future remains unsettled.
As Windhorst noted, any potential deal would be complicated by both on-court and business factors. A return package could resemble the 2023 Kyrie Irving trade that sent the former Nets guard to Dallas in exchange for multiple players and future picks. However, rival executives doubt that Morant’s value currently approaches that level.
For now, Memphis appears intent on weathering the turbulence. But with tension inside the locker room and Morant’s frustrations mounting, the franchise may soon face a defining decision about its direction and leadership core.
