Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has seen his career nosedive over the last few years. The athletic guard was viewed among the league’s ten best players in 2022 when he finished in the top-7 in MVP voting, and seemed primed to take the next step in his career. However, a slew of off-court controversies and injuries have flipped the narrative around his once-blossoming career.
Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton has floated a blockbuster trade idea that would see the Toronto Raptors land Morant to form a new Big 3 with Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram in exchange for a haul of first-round picks and promising young players.
Grizzlies would receive: Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, A.J. Lawson, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
Raptors would receive: Ja Morant
“While Morant hasn’t officially requested a trade, Memphis’ recent moves could be signs of potential regression for the club this season,” wrote Hutton.
Grizzlies Can Start Over
The call to trade Ja Morant would be a drastic one, but it may be necessary for a Grizzlies franchise in limbo. Their decisions to trade Desmond Bane and shockingly dismiss head coach Taylor Jenkins has, per multiple insiders, not sat well with Morant, who could be on his way out of the franchise sooner rather than later.
“The Grizzlies are entering a new era under head coach Tuomas Iisalo with a new look following the loss of Bane,” wrote Hutton. “Memphis receives a considerable return in the mock trade, which could make up for the loss of Morant.
“Moving on from Morant also gives Iisalo a clean slate. Since entering the league in 2019-20, he has yet to appear in 70 or more games, and has suited up in just 307 out of a potential 492 contests. The deal could allow the Grizzlies to retool around Jackson Jr. and build for the future.”
All-Time Low Trade Value
ESPN’s Bobby Marks believes that Morant’s trade value is at an all-time low, citing the slew of controversies and injuries that have marred his career. As such, the time may be right for a team to take a gamble on him, especially if they’re seeking a franchise star.
Furthermore, Morant has three years left on his five-year, $197 million contract, which could prove to be enticing for a team missing just a piece or two from title contention.
“In the past two years, the Raptors have added two notable wings around Barnes in Ingram and R.J. Barrett,” wrote Hutton. “This aggressive move speeds up Toronto’s push towards title contention and adds a significant piece to a budding core.
“Rolling out a core-four of Morant, Barrett, Ingram and Barnes puts the Raptors near the top in the East from a roster makeup standpoint. Toronto’s potential new core could help the squad return to the NBA Finals for the first time since its historic title run in 2018-19.”
Ja Morant averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds in the 2024-25 season, but managed to play only 50 games due to various injuries. The point guard has played over 60 games only three times in his career, earning the injury-prone label as a result.
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