NBA Trade Rumors: Multiple Teams Covet Ja Morant Despite Grizzlies Star’s Underwhelming Season Form

There has been a rift between Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant was suspended by the organization earlier this season for criticizing the coaching and leadership. There has been plenty of talk about a potential breakup this season, which has centered around trade rumors for the All-Star guard.

Morant hasn't had the best season so far. He has been underwhelming, averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists through 12 games. This has been his lowest numbers since his rookie year. Many think that the star guard's performance in the 2025–2026 NBA season may have an impact on his marketability.

Despite the low numbers, however, ESPN's Zach Lowe believes that many teams aren't bothered by it. Lowe talked about it on Monday's episode of "The Zach Lowe Show."

“I will say with Ja [Morant], teams that are watching Ja — and I talked to one of them over the weekend — they are throwing his current level of play into the trash and just say, ‘This looks to us like a guy who wants out, and we’re going to judge him more by his long-term track record,'” Lowe said (Timestamp: 55:09).

“Whatever that is, given his games played issues over the last few years than this. But I mean, he’s averaging 18 a game, 36 percent shooting, 17 on 3s and just looks disengaged for half of every game on both ends of the floor.”

It looks like Ja Morant is ready to move on from the Grizzlies. However, Matt Moore of Fansided reported that Memphis isn't willing to trade the two-time All-Star. That is, if the trade that gets proposed to them is a no-brainer.

Along with Morant's underwhelming performance this season, the Grizzlies have also struggled to start the year. Memphis has a 4-10 record and is tied with the LA Clippers at 11th place.

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Chandler Parsons believes that Ja Morant's best basketball years are behind him

Over the past few seasons, Ja Morant has dealt with off-court issues and various injuries. On Tuesday, former Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons believes that Morant's best years in basketball are behind him. He spoke about it on the latest edition of FanDuel TV's "Run It Back."

“I think just the way the game has shifted and the way he plays, his athleticism. Once he loses that, and shooting has never been his strength… I think the best basketball of Ja Morant, I think we may have already seen that,” Parsons said (Timestamp: 16:55).

Ja Morant's last All-Star selection was during the 2022-23 season. Since then, he's dealt with various injuries and issues that have kept him away from the game.