NBA Insiders' Ja Morant Trade Prediction Says Everything About Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was recognized in a recent poll by NBA insiders

Apr 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) walks off the court during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Memphis Grizzlies made a huge move at the beginning of the 2025 NBA offseason by sending star guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, cutting their "big three" down to a duo of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant.

The Grizzlies, even without Bane, should still be set up for a semi-successful 2025-26 season. Acquiring Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from the Magic, signing Ty Jerome in free agency, and drafting Cedric Coward 11th overall help with their Bane-less backcourt, but they are likely still far from competing in a ruthless Western Conference.

What's next for Memphis?

Mar 26, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) react ons the bench during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

After they traded away Bane, ESPN's Tim Bontemps reported that the Grizzlies are "not looking" to trade either Morant or Jackson Jr., and even showed their commitment to the 2022-23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year by renegotiating and extending his contract. Jackson Jr. is now owed $240 million over the next five years.

While the Grizzlies are ready to commit to Jackson Jr. long-term, could things be different for Morant?

2 plays like this:

A lifelong dream for many...

1 game in November for @JaMorant pic.twitter.com/foHTu3KsWZ

— NBA (@NBA) August 26, 2025

Morant is an incredible player and has proven to be one of the best point guards in the NBA, but he has not been able to stay healthy over the past two seasons. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, Morant has played just 59 games, and if it does not get better during the 2025-26 season, the franchise could start exploring its options.

Is Morant a trade candidate?

ESPN recently polled a group of its NBA insiders and asked them who the next superstar to request a trade will be. While New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson won the vote with Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo and Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James right behind him, Morant got some unexpected attention on the poll.

One of ESPN's insiders voted that Morant would be the next superstar to request a trade.

Apr 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) looks on from the bench area during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game four for the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The assumption here is that it is not even the Grizzlies that would get tired of Morant's injury concerns or off-court problems; it is Morant who would be ready to move on. The star point guard has shown minimal signs of ever wanting out of Memphis, as he has become an icon in the city and for the struggling franchise, but there is certainly a scenario where he searches for a new opportunity.

Morant, 26, will likely eventually want to play for a big market and compete at the highest level, because even when the Grizzlies were a top two seed in the West in consecutive seasons, it never felt like they were legitimate championship contenders. If Morant ever requests a trade out of Memphis, then that would be a signal for the franchise that it is likely time to restart.