• 849 Views
• 0 Shares

• Updated Apr 16, 2026 at 7:58pm

Getty

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 12: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on from the bench during the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 12, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies will have to settle for a weak trade package if they follow through on trading Ja Morant this summer. A terrible season of disconnect between both sides off the court and lackluster results on the court led to Morant hitting the trade block ahead of the deadline. However, Memphis held off on trading Morant due to his relatively weak trade value leading to offers they didn’t enjoy.

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the value is expected to remain low and compared it to another recent trade:

“The Atlanta Hawks sent Trae Young to Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum, who is on an expiring contract, and reserve wing Corey Kispert, with no draft picks in the deal. That is the type of return executives around the league consider reasonable in a Morant deal.”

The most important thing about this report is that teams are not looking to give up valuable draft assets for Morant this offseason. Trae Young held similar value when he was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards. Atlanta had to settle for an older starter in CJ McCollum and a flawed role player in Corey Kispert, but it helped them improve by committing to their own young talents.

Why Ja Morant’s Value Is So Low

Morant has struggled to stay on the court over the past few seasons due to injuries and behavioral issues. Memphis hoped to contend in the Western Conference after Morant led their upswing a few seasons ago to change their standing in the league.

Unfortunately, the NBA suspending Morant for most of an entire season caused them to fall apart and never recover. Morant has dealt with injuries since then to waste the last two seasons of both his career and the franchise’s playoff hopes before they gave up via making bold changes.

Recent trades of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. showed just how much the franchise wanted to reboot. Both trades featured the Grizzlies getting strong trade packages to sell high on their other stars. The Jackson trade was done in part due to knowing that Morant’s future trade will net them fewer assets.

Which Teams Can Take Advantage Of This

Quite a few teams should be interested in acquiring Morant if the trade value is that low. The Miami Heat have been reported to be going “all in” on adding more star power this summer after they failed to make the postseason via their play-in elimination to the Charlotte Hornets.

Rebuilding teams, like the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings, would love to add a franchise point guard without giving up their top assets. Morant will have teams interested, but the value will see each team having a ceiling on what they’ll offer for him.

One of the teams in question or another dark horse team could up the offer by including one future draft pick to stack the odds. If other teams won’t add a pick, a team can up the ante and keep their valued young players to have a chance at winning next season.