When a superstar of Ja Morant's caliber is reported to be interested in a trade, much of the NBA community usually shuts up and takes notice. However, recent conversations suggest that the Memphis Grizzlies never had a strong trade market for the superstar, despite the fact that the franchise actively explored trade options before the deadline.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Grizzlies may have to wait for teams like the Milwaukee Bucks in the summer to get an attractive return.
"Sources say Sacramento has shown only modest interest. I'm told Miami also inquired about Morant only with the idea of acquiring him in a deal similar to Washington's asset-light acquisition of Trae Young. And sources say the Heat were not actively pursuing Morant in the days before the deadline because Antetokounmpo had become their primary target," he wrote.
Stein reports that multiple teams believe the Bucks' interest in Morant is genuine, whether it's to pair him with Giannis Antetokounmpo or as a potential successor.
“Many teams came out of the deadline believing that the Bucks' interest in Morant was genuine ... whether it was to establish him as Antetokounmpo's eventual successor as the Face of the Franchise or because they believe they can truly create a Giannis-and-Ja pairing,” he wrote.
Memphis openly explored deals as part of a broader rebuild, having already traded forward Desmond Benn and Jaren Jackson Jr. for three first-round picks and young rotation pieces.
Despite Morant being a two-time All-Star and former franchise centerpiece after Memphis' 56-win season and Western Conference Semifinal run, the interest hasn't been pressing.
Sacramento's involvement never progressed beyond exploratory dialogue, especially with Morant reportedly unwilling to play there. Miami showed interest and was widely believed to be Morant's preferred destination, yet the Heat prioritized Giannis Antetokounmpo as their primary target.
Of course, Morant's diminished value stems from availability and efficiency concerns. The 26-year-old has appeared in only 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists, but recorded career lows in efficiency (41% FG, 23.5% from three).
Memphis is also just 7-13 in games played, and barring a quick return to form, the situation appears grim as far as genuine interest and an attractive trade package is concerned.
