Ja Morant Trade Market Was Quiet — Only 2 Teams Checked In

The trade market for Ja Morant at the NBA deadline was far colder than many expected.
According to Jake Fischer, only two teams — the Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat — even showed modest interest, and neither made a serious push to acquire the former All-Star.

That’s a stunning development for a player who, just two seasons ago, looked like a franchise cornerstone and MVP candidate.

Why the Market Was So Limited

Several factors suppressed Morant’s value:

1. Injuries

He has played only 20 games this season and is currently sidelined with a sprained UCL in his left elbow.
The past two years have also included:

• Shoulder surgery (2024)

• Hip and pelvic issues (2024–25)

• Calf strain earlier this season

Availability has become a major concern.

2. Off-court history

His 2023 suspension for conduct detrimental to the league still impacts how teams view long-term risk.

3. Contract size

Morant is on a 5-year, $197.2 million deal through 2027–28, making him a high-commitment gamble.

Why the Heat and Kings Didn’t Move

• Miami Heat only explored a low-asset framework similar to Washington’s Trae Young acquisition — not a star-level offer.

• Sacramento Kings showed “modest” interest but never progressed into real negotiations.

• Miami ultimately prioritized Giannis Antetokounmpo as its primary target, ending any Morant momentum.

Summer Market: A New Contender?

The most interesting potential suitor going forward is the Milwaukee Bucks.

League sources believe Milwaukee’s interest was genuine, with two possible visions:

• Pairing Morant + Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Installing Morant as Giannis’ long-term successor if the roster pivots

Fit questions are obvious — spacing, defense, ball dominance — but the upside is superstar-level.

The Grizzlies’ Rebuild Is Real

Memphis has already signaled a reset:

• Traded Desmond Bane last summer

• Moved Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline

• Sitting near the bottom of the West at 21–34

A Morant trade this offseason would complete a full rebuild.

Morant’s Production (When Healthy)

Despite everything, he’s still talented:

• 19.5 PPG

• 7.4 APG

• 4.6 RPG

And from 2021–23 he averaged 26.8 points and led Memphis to back-to-back No. 2 seeds — proof the upside hasn’t disappeared.

 

Morant’s value will likely be determined by three things this summer:

1. Medical evaluations

2. Behavioral confidence from teams

3. Memphis’ willingness to sell low vs. wait

Right now, he’s no longer viewed as an untouchable franchise player — but he’s also far too talented to have no market.

Expect more than two teams to engage this offseason, especially contenders willing to bet on a high-risk, high-reward superstar reclamation.