Ja Morant's tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies is likely coming to an end, as NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes the team will trade the star guard. On the 2026 NBA Draft day, Windhorst stated that the Grizzlies' activity signaled their intention to move on from Morant.
What happened?
The Grizzlies have been trying to trade Morant due to his off-court antics and massive contract. Despite their efforts, they have struggled to find a trade partner, with teams reluctant to take on the star's contract.
Why it matters for Ja Morant
Morant's production on the court has not been enough to outweigh his off-court issues, exhausting the franchise's patience. The Grizzlies' selection of Cam Boozer at number three in the draft may be a sign that they are looking to replace Morant.
What comes next?
The Grizzlies have a $29 million trade exception, one of the largest in NBA history, which they can use to facilitate a trade. Windhorst notes that this exception could be a key factor in negotiations, allowing the team to get involved in trades they might not have been able to otherwise.
The Grizzlies' troubles in finding a trade partner for Morant stem from the 2026 NBA draft, where teams that were in the market for a franchise point guard already drafted their guy. As a result, no team is willing to take on Morant's contract.
Brian Windhorst, the NBA insider, points to the Grizzlies' activity during the draft as a signal of their intentions. He believes that the team is looking to totally reset their franchise, with Cam Boozer potentially being the face of the team moving forward.
The Grizzlies' decision to trade Morant may not be a question of if, but when. With the team's patience worn thin, it seems likely that Morant will be playing for a different team next season.
The 2026 NBA draft marked a turning point in the Morant-Grizzlies saga, with the team's selection of Boozer potentially signaling the end of Morant's time in Memphis. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: Ja Morant's future with the Grizzlies is uncertain.
The Grizzlies' use of the $29 million trade exception could be a key factor in determining Morant's next destination. With the team looking to reset their franchise, it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out in the coming weeks and months.
As of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies are looking to move on from Ja Morant, with Brian Windhorst believing that the team will try to trade the star guard. The future of Morant and the Grizzlies remains uncertain, with the team's activity during the draft signaling their intention to reset their franchise.