While Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant has been linked to the Sacramento Kings ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, the seven-year veteran might not be willing to sign a long-term deal with the team.
Kings Unlikely To Trade For Ja Morant
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported last month that Memphis started to field trade offers for Morant, and is expected to move the former No. 2 overall pick prior to the Feb. 5 deadline.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, and Kings reportedly have all expressed interest in acquiring Morant, according to multiple league sources.
Although the Kings have been pursuing Morant because they thought he would be up to signing a contract extension with the team, that doesn’t appear to be part of his future plans.
“I’ve also been told that Morant would likely be reluctant to sign a contract extension in Sacramento … something that the Kings, sources say, are aware of us well,” NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Monday.
Grizzlies Star Wants To Play For Heat
Per Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko, shortly after the Miami Heat “emerged as an attractive option to Morant and his camp” as a potential trade destination, it was reported that Morant had purchased a $3.2 million home in Miami-Dade County on Dec. 23.
The house Morant purchased in December is approximately four miles away from the Kaseya Center, the Heat’s home arena, according to Finto and Cole.
According to Iko, Morant “has a deep respect for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra,” and the NBA franchise appeals to the two-time All-Star for being a “detail-oriented and structured” organization.
However, league insiders have since reported that Miami prefers Giannis Antetokounmpo over Morant. The former is the best option for the Heat.
Injuries, Suspensions Have Limited Morant
Morant has been discussed around the league as having “negative trade value” due to injuries and suspensions, as the 26-year-old hasn’t appeared in more than 61 games in any of the past four seasons.
He’s 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.
What’s more, 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.
Per Spotrac, Morant is also 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.
His contract alone is making teams think twice before striking a trade deal.
