Top 3 Destinations For Ja Morant This Summer (Including One Surprising Team)
Ja Morant’s future in Memphis is suddenly uncertain.
The Memphis Grizzlies face a pivotal decision. After a turbulent 2023–24 season and a 2024–25 campaign that now seems destined to end in an early playoff ouster, the conversation around Morant has shifted from "When will he return to form?" to "When will Memphis move on?"
At just 25, Morant remains one of the league’s most electrifying guards. But between off-court controversies, inconsistent play, and a Grizzlies roster that appears far from contention, the time may be right for a blockbuster trade.
With Desmond Bane’s emergence, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defensive anchor role, and a new front office unwilling to settle for mediocrity, Memphis must at least consider its options.
What could a Ja Morant trade realistically fetch?
This isn’t a distressed sale—he’s still a 25+ PPG superstar under contract through 2027–28 (earning $44.9 million in the final year).
The return would need to be massive, but the right team might gamble on a franchise-altering reset.
Here are the three most compelling trade packages that could redefine both Morant’s career and the NBA landscape.
1. Miami Heat
Proposed Trade:
Heat receive: Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, John Konchar
Grizzlies receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larsson, 2025 1st-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 1st-Round Pick (MIA)
If any team can harness Morant’s talent while mitigating risks, it’s Miami. Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra have a track record of refining high-upside stars within their culture.
Pairing Ja with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro would create a dynamic, fast-paced trio capable of overwhelming defenses.
2. Houston Rockets
Proposed Trade:
Rockets receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, 2025 1st-Round Pick (HOU), 2027 1st-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston, fresh off a 50-win season, is ahead of schedule—but they lack a true franchise guard. Morant’s rim pressure and playmaking would unlock Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr., transforming the Rockets into a Western Conference threat.
In return, Memphis lands two high-ceiling prospects: Green (a 21 PPG scorer with elite athleticism) and Whitmore (a rising two-way wing). Both are under team control and fit seamlessly next to Bane and Jackson. The two first-rounders further sweeten the deal.
This is the cleanest "star-for-prospects" swap available. Houston gambles on Morant’s upside, while Memphis secures young talent and draft capital to accelerate their rebuild.
3. Orlando Magic (The Surprise Team)
Proposed Trade:
Magic receive: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Jalen Suggs, Tristan da Silva, 2025 1st-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 1st-Round Pick (ORL), 2031 1st-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando, quietly on the rise, could be the dark horse in the Morant sweepstakes. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner form a stellar forward duo, but the Magic desperately need a dynamic guard to elevate their half-court offense. Morant’s 23.2 PPG and 7.3 APG would be a game-changer.
For Memphis, Suggs brings tenacious defense and leadership, while the draft picks provide long-term flexibility. This might not be the flashiest return, but it’s a savvy basketball move for a team rebuilding its identity.
The Verdict
Trading a superstar is never easy, but Memphis must weigh whether Morant’s peak aligns with their timeline. Each of these deals offers a different path forward—whether it’s Miami’s win-now package, Houston’s youth-infused reload, or Orlando’s high-risk, high-reward gamble.
One thing’s certain: if Ja Morant hits the market, the NBA landscape could shift overnight.
Image - Petre Thomas-Imagn
