Grizzlies Explore Ja Morant Trade Options Before Deadline

The Memphis Grizzlies are exploring trade options for star point guard Ja Morant ahead of the February 5 NBA trade deadline, marking the first time the franchise has seriously considered moving its former cornerstone player. Multiple teams have expressed interest in the 26-year-old two-time All-Star, according to reports from league sources.

Morant, selected second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, has been a dynamic force when healthy, earning Rookie of the Year honors in his debut season and Most Improved Player in 2021-22. He helped lead the Grizzlies to four playoff appearances in the past five years, including back-to-back 50-win seasons from 2021 to 2023. However, his tenure has been marred by injuries and off-court incidents that have disrupted team continuity. This season, the Grizzlies hold a 16-21 record, and Morant has appeared in just 18 of 37 games, sidelined most recently by a calf injury that will keep him out of Friday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has missed 19 games overall, falling short of the league's 65-game threshold for postseason award eligibility for the sixth straight year.

Reports indicate the Grizzlies are weighing paths forward,...