With under 24 hours left until the 2026 NBA trade deadline (Thursday, February 5 at 3 p.m. ET), the Memphis Grizzlies appear to be actively shopping Ja Morant as part of what looks increasingly like a full-scale rebuild.
After already trading Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane in separate deals for significant draft capital, Memphis is now trying to move its former franchise cornerstone. However, the market for Morant remains surprisingly soft, and one of the most frequently mentioned teams—Sacramento Kings—has effectively been ruled out as a realistic landing spot.
Kings Have “Zero Interest” in Morant — And the Feeling Is Mutual
Longtime NBA insider Sam Amick (The Athletic) was definitive on Wednesday:
“To be clear, the Kings have not been pursuing Morant in any fashion. It’s the Grizzlies who have been making the rounds trying to get something done. What’s more, the Kings are known to have fit and chemistry concerns regarding Morant that are impediments in their own right.”
Amick added that even if Memphis lowered its asking price dramatically, Sacramento would still demand substantive draft capital coming back in any deal involving Morant’s remaining contract ($39.4M this season, $42M next, $44.8M in 2027-28). The Grizzlies, however, view it the opposite way: if they’re taking on long-term money or bad contracts from Sacramento, they want picks heading their direction.
The disconnect is massive—and mutual. ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly reported Wednesday:
“The Sacramento Kings have inquired about trading for Grizzlies star Ja Morant, but the point guard is not interested in a trade to Sacramento, league sources tell ClutchPoints. Morant and his camp have the Miami Heat as his preferred trade destination.”
Morant reportedly has zero interest in joining the Kings, who currently hold the worst record in the NBA without any overt tanking signs. Sacramento’s current rebuild trajectory and lack of immediate title contention make it an unappealing destination for a 26-year-old star still in his prime.
Miami Heat Remain the Clear Frontrunner
With Sacramento out, the Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves continue to be the two most frequently mentioned realistic destinations—though both are heavily focused on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes right now (Miami especially).
If the Giannis pursuit fails, Miami has several frameworks that could work for Morant without gutting the core:
- Tyler Herro ($29M expiring) + Simone Fontecchio ($18M expiring) → near-perfect salary match for Morant’s $39.4M.
- Terry Rozier ($26.6M expiring) or Andrew Wiggins ($26.3M) could anchor alternative versions.
- Miami could replicate their low-capital Norman Powell acquisition: expiring contracts + filler + minimal or no draft compensation.
The Heat have repeatedly shown they’re willing to consolidate talent around Bam Adebayo while preserving flexibility. Morant would give them the explosive lead guard they’ve lacked since Kyle Lowry’s decline.
Morant’s Market Remains Shockingly Low
Despite his talent (19.5 PPG, 8.1 APG in limited 2025-26 action), Morant’s value has cratered due to:
- Multi-season injury/conditioning absences (only 79 of 209 possible games over the last three years)
- Past off-court/legal issues
- Memphis’ clear rebuild signals
Teams are hesitant to pay a premium for a high-risk, high-reward talent on a $40M+ AAV contract. That’s why Miami’s expiring-heavy, low-draft-capital approach remains one of the few realistic paths.
Bottom Line
- Sacramento is not a serious contender for Morant — neither side wants it.
- Miami and Minnesota are the most credible destinations mentioned repeatedly.
- If Giannis talks collapse, expect Miami to pivot hard to Morant with a package built around expirings (Herro/Fontecchio/Rozier/Wiggins) and little-to-no draft compensation.
- The clock is ticking—less than 24 hours remain.
Heat fans: Would you rather chase Giannis at all costs, or pivot to Morant if Milwaukee holds firm? Timberwolves fans: Is Morant a better fit than Giannis for your timeline? Kings fans: Relieved or disappointed you’re not in the mix? Drop your takes below—this deadline is far from over!