Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

3 Possible Trade Destinations for Ja Morant After Tensions Rise With the Grizzlies

Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ja Morant has ignited fresh controversy after openly criticizing the Memphis Grizzlies’ coaching staff following Friday’s 117-112 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers. Memphis squandered a 15-point lead and fell apart late, with Morant struggling through a poor shooting night.

The guard played 30 minutes, finishing with just eight points on 3-of-14 shooting while missing all six of his three-point attempts. Asked afterward what went wrong, Ja Morant deflected responsibility and pointed toward the bench. “Go ask the coaching staff … go ask them, they had a whole spiel in here,” he told reporters.

Ja Morant suggested his playing time was a point of contention. “According to them, don’t play me, honestly. That’s basically what the message was after, so, it’s cool,” he added. His body language during the game also drew attention, as he appeared disengaged and less impactful than usual.

The tension comes just six games into the tenure of new head coach Tuomas Iisalo, raising questions about whether Morant and the staff are aligned. With Memphis having peaked at a 2022 conference semifinals appearance, speculation is mounting over whether the franchise could consider moving on from its star guard.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team. pic.twitter.com/STotAlgC54
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 1, 2025

Sacramento Kings

The Kings have talent but lack cohesion in a crowded Western Conference. Pairing Ja Morant with Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine could provide a new direction. A proposed deal would send Morant, Brandon Clarke, and multiple draft picks to Sacramento in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Devin Carter. For Memphis, the move would shed Morant’s remaining three years on his $197.2 million contract while adding veteran scorers.

Miami Heat

Another option would be Miami, a franchise often linked to star trades. A potential package would see the Heat acquire Ja Morant, while Memphis receives Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and a protected 2030 first-round pick. The Grizzlies would gain a proven scorer and a young prospect while reshaping their roster.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets may represent the most logical landing spot. With Fred VanVleet sidelined by an ACL injury, Houston lacks a true point guard. A trade scenario would send Ja Morant to the Rockets for VanVleet, Dorian Finney-Smith, Aaron Holiday, and four draft picks. Houston would gain a dynamic guard to pair with Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, while Memphis would offload contracts and stockpile future assets.