Despite a glaring need at point guard, Houston shows confidence in its core and young guard Amen Thompson, leaving other teams to vie for the Memphis star.
As the NBA’s mid-season trade window approaches, the rumor mill is swirling around Memphis Grizzlies’ star Ja Morant. However, one team frequently speculated as a logical landing spot has officially bowed out. According to a report by Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Houston Rockets have no interest in pursuing a trade for the two-time All-Star guard.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12)
This decision comes despite the Rockets losing veteran starting point guard Fred VanVleet for the season to a torn ACL. Instead of making a blockbuster play for Morant, league sources indicate Houston is content to rely on its current core—led by Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün—and hand the primary ball-handling reins to young All-Star Amen Thompson.
“League sources say they’re not interested in pursuing Memphis’ Ja Morant despite having lost veteran point guard Fred VanVleet for the season with a torn ACL,” Amick reported on Thursday.
The news adds a significant twist to the Morant saga. The 25-year-old guard has been sidelined for 11 of the Grizzlies’ last 12 games with a strained right calf. When on the court this season, his production has dipped to 17.9 points and 7.6 assists per game on a career-worst 35.9% shooting from the field. With Memphis struggling to a 11-13 record and sitting ninth in the West, speculation about Morant’s future has intensified.
Potential suitors like the Minnesota Timberwolves, dreaming of a dynamic backcourt pairing with Anthony Edwards, and the Sacramento Kings are now believed to be the frontrunners should Memphis seriously entertain offers.
Houston’s choice to stand pat is a strong vote of confidence in their current trajectory. The Rockets boast the second-best record in the Western Conference at 15-6 and have developed strong chemistry. Introducing a high-usage, ball-dominant star like Morant could disrupt their flow, especially with Durant and Şengün operating so effectively.
The decision also spotlight’s the organization’s faith in 22-year-old Amen Thompson. Thrust into a larger role after VanVleet’s injury, Thompson has the opportunity to solidify himself as the team’s point guard of the present and future.
Interestingly, this development follows a now-viral moment from a Nov. 5 game in Memphis. Rockets forward Kevin Durant was caught on camera taunting Ja’s father, Tee Morant, with the words, “Your son don’t wanna be here. We know it’s your last weekend!” While likely just competitive trash talk, the moment fueled external speculation about Morant’s dissatisfaction in Memphis.
For now, the Rockets are signaling that their championship aspirations will be pursued with the roster they have, leaving the league to watch where the Ja Morant sweepstakes land next.