With nine days left before the NBA trade deadline, the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly have yet to discuss a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies for star guard Ja Morant, according to league insider Marc Stein.
Pelicans Humdrum On Ja Morant Trade
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported last Friday that Memphis was entertaining trade offers involving Morant and is expected to move the seven-year veteran prior to the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and Milwaukee Bucks have expressed interest in acquiring Morant, according to multiple league sources.
However, there are some teams not pursuing the two-time All-Star.
Morant, 26, has been discussed in league circles as having “negative trade value” due to injuries and suspensions, as the Grizzlies star hasn’t appeared in more than 61 games in any of the past four seasons.
That could help explain why New Orleans might not be interested in Morant.
“One source close to the process [said] that there are no discussions between the Pelicans and the Grizzlies on a potential Morant deal… despite persistent speculation to the contrary,” Stein wrote.
Morant In Final Season With Grizzlies?
Morant has been limited to just 20 games this season due to a Grade 1 right calf strain and a UCL sprain in his left elbow. The latter injury is sidelining him for at least three weeks.
More importantly, Morant is averaging only 19.5 points and a career-low 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting just 41% from the field and a career-worst 23.5% from 3-point range.
In addition to his on-court struggles, Morant is earning $39.5 million this season and is in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract. He’s slated to earn $42.16 million in 2026-27 and $44.88 million in 2027-28.
Although New Orleans is in the midst of a disappointing season at 12-36, a team source said earlier this month that the Pelicans are not trading Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, or Jeremiah Fears.
If the Pelicans do make a move before the deadline, it won’t be for Morant.
