Evaluating the Trade Value of Ja Morant in a Shifting NBA Landscape

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For years, the idea of trading Ja Morant was heresy in Memphis. He was the “Grind City” savior, a gravity-defying superstar who turned the Grizzlies into a perennial contender. But as of January 10, 2026, the unthinkable has become a reality: ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that for the first time in franchise history, the Grizzlies are officially entertaining trade offers for their 26-year-old centerpiece.

Coming just days after the Atlanta Hawks shipped Trae Young to Washington, the Morant news has sent shockwaves through the league. However, unlike the “salary dump” nature of the Young trade, a Morant deal is a far more complex equation of elite talent versus extreme volatility.

1. The On-Court Decline: A Statistical Dip

The “Ja Morant” of 2026 looks different from the one that graced All-NBA ballots two years ago. Currently sidelined with a right calf contusion, Morant’s production has hit a career nadir during this 16–22 Grizzlies campaign.

Statistic	2025–26 Season	Career High (2021-22)
Points Per Game	19.0	27.4
Field Goal %	40.1%	49.3%
3-Point %	20.8%	34.4%
Assists Per Game	7.6	8.1
Games Played	18 of 38	61

Scouts point to a lack of burst and a jump shot that has regressed significantly. Any team trading for Morant is betting that this is a temporary slump caused by lingering injuries rather than a permanent loss of athleticism.

2. The Contract: A 2028 Commitment

Morant is under contract through the 2027–28 season, providing any acquiring team with at least two and a half years of team control.

2025-26: $39.5 Million
2026-27: $42.2 Million
2027-28: $44.9 Million

The Extension Dilemma: Morant becomes eligible for a massive three-year, $178 million extension this summer. Rival executives are wary; committing nearly $60 million a year to a guard who has not played more than seven consecutive games since the 2022–23 season is a gamble that could paralyze a franchise’s cap sheet.

3. The “Baggage” and Team Culture

The relationship between Morant and the Grizzlies has reportedly soured. Following a team-issued suspension at the start of this season, reports emerged that Morant felt “miffed” by the organization’s handling of the situation.

The Grizzlies’ record is telling: they are 10–9 without Morant this season, but a dismal 6–12 with him. This “addition by subtraction” narrative—similar to the one that surrounded Trae Young in Atlanta—has lowered his leverage, leading many to believe Memphis is ready for a full “reset” around Jaren Jackson Jr. and rookie standout Cam Spencer.

4. Potential Landing Spots: Who Places the Bet?

If Memphis is prioritizing draft capital and young players, three teams have emerged as frontrunners:

Miami Heat: Pat Riley is known for “star hunting,” and a core of Morant and Bam Adebayo would be a defensive nightmare with offensive electricity. A package centered on Terry Rozier’s expiring deal and multiple first-rounders is the rumored starting point.
Milwaukee Bucks: With Giannis Antetokounmpo publicly committed to staying, the Bucks are desperate to maximize his window. A Morant-Giannis pick-and-roll would be the most athletic duo in NBA history.
San Antonio Spurs: Pairing Morant with Victor Wembanyama is the ultimate NBA 2K fantasy. The Spurs have the draft picks to make Memphis an offer they can’t refuse, though the stance on Morant’s off-court history remains a question mark.

The Verdict: Buy Low or Stay Away?

Ja Morant’s current trade value is at its lowest point since his rookie year. However, in a league starved for “tier-one” creators, he remains one of the few players capable of single-handedly winning a playoff series.

The Trae Young trade set a precedent for “player-for-player” value, but Memphis is reportedly holding out for a “superstar haul.” If a team believes they can fix Morant’s jumper and provide the structure he lacks in Memphis, they could be getting a top-10 talent at a 30% discount. If not, his contract could become the league’s most untradeable albatross by 2027.