Grizzlies Still Plan To Trade Ja Morant This Summer

Merlin sees Memphis failed to find a deal for Ja Morant before the deadline and will head into the summer still planning to move him. Teams worried they "just can't count on him to be available," and ESPN called his market "negative value." Morant has played 79 of 213 possible games since 2023-24, is averaging 19.5 points on 41 percent shooting in limited starts, and carries two more big seasons of guaranteed salary. Merlin senses the Grizzlies have hardened their hand. With Jaren Jackson Jr. sent away and 12 future firsts stocked up, Memphis can wait for the right return or attach picks and cash to make a deal. The choice is between selling low now or using time and draft capital to rebuild more patiently.