The Pelicans and Kings appear to be the teams with the most interest in trading for Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, Sam Amick of the Athletic said during a recent appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back” (YouTube link). Amick added that he would “probably push it” to New Orleans as the front-runner, and acknowledged a suggestion that the Timberwolves are in the mix as well.
Morant is known to be unhappy in Memphis and is coming off a season where he feuded with head coach Tuomas Iisalo and other members of the coaching staff. He only appeared in 20 games due to elbow and calf injuries and didn’t play at all after January 21.
The Grizzlies tried to find a taker for Morant ahead of the February trade deadline, but didn’t receive much interest from around the league. In addition to health and behavioral concerns that have limited Morant to 79 combined games over the past three seasons, rival teams were reluctant to take on his hefty salary. He’s owed $42.2MM next season and $44.5MM in 2027/28 before becoming an unrestricted free agent that summer.
While Morant has fallen on hard times recently, he’s still only 26 and could be a game-changer if he rediscovers the talent that made him an All-Star in 2022 and 2023. He may be inspired by a change of scenery after spending the first seven years of his career in Memphis.
The Pelicans could be looking to shake up their roster after a disappointing 26-56 season that led to two coaching changes. Several New Orleans players have been involved in trade rumors, and starting point guard Dejounte Murray would likely be moved if Morant is brought in. Murray is under contract for $32.8MM next season and holds a $30.8MM player option for 2027/28.
Sacramento is expected to address its point guard situation in the draft, but Morant could be an option if the Kings decide to target another position or if they’re looking for a veteran to handle the starting job while their first-round pick develops. Russell Westbrook was effective in that role this season, and the organization may feel that Morant could do the same.
Minnesota has been mentioned before in connection with Morant, but the Wolves would have to send out a lot of salary to make a deal feasible and may be focused on other options. Miami and Milwaukee have also been linked to Morant in trade rumors.
