Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant hasn’t played since mid-November due to a strained calf but the trade market has reportedly been heating up for the former NBA All-Star.
After previous off-court issues, Morant’s latest frustrations have centered on the Grizzlies new system and reduced offensive freedom. Morant has publicly clashed with new Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo, who has instituted a structured player rotation system, often involving shorter shifts than typical NBA rotations.
Before getting hurt, the former No. 2 overall pick was off to a slow start to the 2025 season. He’s averaging just 17.9 points per game, the lowest mark since his rookie season, while shooting a career-low 35.9% from the floor and just 16.7% from 3-point range. That said, the 26-year-old is likely to return to his All-Star form if he goes to a place where he’s motivated to play his best basketball.
Below, we’ll break down the top trade destinations for Ja Morant over the next few months.
Miami Heat Lead List of Potential Trade Destinations
Miami has been searching for another star since dealing Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors.
Tied for fifth-place in the Eastern Conference standings, the Heat are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them make a move or two to propel them into contender status.
Pat Riley has never been afraid to take a big swing when the opportunity presents itself. In fact, Butler had a reputation as a locker room cancer before landing in Miami and turning himself into a franchise player.
Now, Riley has another buy-low opportunity to revive the career of another NBA superstar who is in need of a fresh start.
The Heat front office have reportedly had internal discussions on how their culture and structure could benefit Morant, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Tyler Herro is expected to be available in a potential deal but the Heat might not have to give him up in a potential deal for the embattled Grizzlies star.
Now that Terry Rozier’s contract has been deemed tradeable, a combination of expiring contracts and draft picks could be enough to move the needle for a franchise desperate to move on from its frustrated star.
Timberwolves Considered Among Top Landing Spots
In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves make the most sense as a potential landing spot for Morant.
The Timberwolves are in desperate need of a point guard alongside superstar Anthony Edwards and Morant fits the bill as a potential offensive creator, who can also help a team that ranks 25th in the NBA in fast break points per game.
Minnesota has enough 3-point shooting to unlock Morant’s playmaking abilities and offset his career struggles from beyond the arc. Morant would also fit well alongside a chippy Timberwolves team that isn’t afraid to get in your face and talk trash to opponents.
Kings, Nets, and Pelicans Could Be Interested
Other bottom-feeder teams could emerge as potential buy-low candidates for Morant at the trade deadline. Rebuilding teams like the Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets, and New Orleans Pelicans could choose to add Morant in a potential deal.
Those franchises aren’t considered premium free-agent destinations, which makes a trade for a still-young All-Star more appealing than chasing talent in the open market.
The Pelicans might make the most sense among the group, especially considering they don’t own the rights to their 2026 first-round pick. That could give New Orleans enough incentive to deal either Dejounte Murray or Jordan Poole in a win-now move even though the Pelicans are out of playoff contention.
