It’s been an almighty decline from Ja Morant since he was named an All-Star in 2022-23. Morant was Second Team All-NBA in 2021-22 and received MVP votes in each of those seasons.
Off-court issues and injuries have seen the former second overall pick play only 71 games since the start of 2023-24. He’s been sidelined with a calf issue since Nov. 15 and was suspended by the Grizzlies for ‘conduct detrimental to the team’ earlier in the campaign.
In 50 games last season, Morant scored his fewest points per game since his sophomore campaign. His free throw attempts per game have decreased year-on-year since he made his second All-Star team in 2022-23.
The quantitative and qualitative have been alarming for Morant in 2025-26. His scoring has plummeted to 17.9 points per game. His jump shot has become even less effective taking his adjusted true shooting to 82. It is by far the worst mark of his career.
His effort has been between passable and non-existent. Memphis is 4.7 points better per 100 possessions with Morant off the floor, despite several other rotation players missing time.
Lost His Key Skill
At his best, Morant was in the mid-90s percentiles for the frequency of his shots in the restricted area. Less than 40% of his shots were from the mid-range, with less than 6% from long mid-range.
In 2025-26, he’s in the 64th percentile in shots at the rim and 10% of his shots are long twos. He’s plummeted from a high point of making 66% of his shots at the rim to 55%. He’s never been an efficient mid-range scorer, but even that area of his game has declined.
The shot diet alone would lead to abysmal inefficiency even if Morant was scoring at his previous level at the rim. This combination of fewer free throws, more jump shots, and only making 55% at the rim creates an offensive player who cannot function efficiently.
Morant’s superstrength was his ability to get to and make shots at the rim. Through will or health, or a combination of both, Morant isn’t attacking the basket as relentlessly as before. Standing at 6’2”, Morant either needs to regain his restricted area scoring or become a competent jump shooter to be a solid offensive player.
Memphis’ Dilemma
The Grizz have already moved on from Desmond Bane in a pick-based package from the Magic. Morant’s situation doesn’t seem salvageable for Memphis, which also means his trade value is minimal.
The player Morant has been in 2025-26, and even in 2024-25, is grossly overpaid for another two seasons after this. He’s owed $42,166,510 next season and $44,886,930 in 2027-28.
In the second apron era, Morant’s trade value is between nil and negative.
Potential Suitors
The list of potential trade partners if Memphis opts to deal Morant is short. It becomes shorter still when the practicalities of balancing a trade under this highly restrictive CBA are taken into consideration.
The Timberwolves, for example, need a point guard. Memphis won’t be getting picks in return, and a deal would require Minnesota to move either Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle. That’s not going to be worth it.
Orlando might still want a lead guard in place of Jalen Suggs. There’s no way they give up Franz Wagner or Paolo Banchero to get Morant. Not to mention how Morant’s subpar shooting would shrink the floor.
Miami could see the upside of a reclamation project with Morant, but why would they ruin the good vibes? Pat Riley and co. are likely to keep their assets for a bigger, more reliable star.
It’s the sort of desperate trade the Bulls might consider. Chicago is running its offense through Josh Giddey, though, and his fit with Morant is clunky at best.
Unwanted for Unwanted
The only answer, perhaps, is a carousel of awkward situations. Maybe that includes using the salary as part of a looming Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
Trae Young, without an extension from the Hawks, is a trade candidate. LaMelo Ball is reportedly unhappy with the Hornets, and Charlotte shouldn’t be hesitant to deal the All-Star guard considering the other young talent they have.
There’s a scenario where Giannis wants a trade to a team in salary cap hell, which means other teams are required to facilitate a deal. That might be Memphis’ best path to receiving draft compensation in a Morant trade, even if it means eating the salary of Young or LaMelo.
The Hornets could take a free swing on Morant while they nurture their young core. The question then is whether he’s the presence you want in an inexperienced locker room.
Atlanta isn’t going to want Morant, but maybe there’s a way to acquire another ball handler in a multi-team deal.
Limbo Continues
For now, the Grizzlies are in limbo. Morant is causing chaos even when he’s in street clothes, as exhibited by his bizarre rift with Klay Thompson. The speculation around his future is hanging over the team.
It’s a bit of a waiting game, and one without a definite endpoint. Giannis being traded is the light at the end of the tunnel for Memphis, but that doesn’t mean they will get any meaningful assets in a deal.
Don’t be surprised if Morant remains on the team for the rest of the season. There isn’t an easy fix to this franchise-crippling situation.
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