Ja Morant Faces Trade Rumors As Grizzlies Future Hangs In Balance

Ja Morant’s return to Memphis was never going to be quiet, but few expected quite so much drama packed into one night. As the Memphis Grizzlies edge closer to the NBA trade deadline, all eyes are on their star guard—surrounded by swirling rumors, on-court altercations, and a franchise teetering between a playoff push and a potential rebuild. With the February 5 deadline looming, fans, analysts, and teammates alike are left wondering: will Morant’s loyalty keep him in Memphis, or is a seismic shake-up on the horizon?

On January 21, 2026, Morant took to the court in Memphis for the first time since trade speculation reached fever pitch. The Grizzlies fell just short in a 124-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but Morant’s performance was anything but subdued. He poured in 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting, dished out 12 assists, and added two rebounds, a steal, and three blocks in 29 minutes. The stat line was impressive, but the night was defined as much by tension as by talent.

Things boiled over in the second quarter when Morant, attacking the rim, drew contact from Hawks center Mohamed Gueye. The officials let play continue without a whistle, and as Morant scrambled for the loose ball, Gueye tied him up. Morant, clearly frustrated, shoved Gueye, who retaliated by grabbing Morant’s jersey. The confrontation earned both players double technical fouls—a flashpoint in a game already heavy with subtext. Morant’s competitive fire was on full display, but so too was the pressure he’s been under in recent weeks.

That pressure has been mounting. Morant has been at the center of relentless trade rumors all season, and his recent absence due to injury only fueled the speculation. On January 15, he missed his sixth consecutive game, sitting out the Grizzlies’ matchup against the Orlando Magic in Berlin, Germany with a right calf bruise. During the shootaround that day, he was recorded in a heated exchange with teammate Vince Williams Jr., further stoking talk of discontent within the locker room. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver even voiced his disappointment about Morant missing the international showcase.

But just days later, Morant returned to action in London and delivered a vintage performance. He dropped 24 points and 13 assists as Memphis toppled Orlando 126-109, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the league’s most electric talents. After the win, Morant addressed the swirling rumors head-on. “If anybody in here knows me, I’m a very loyal guy,” he said. “I got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be.” The message was clear: Morant wants to stay in Memphis, and he’s not shy about saying it.

Still, the uncertainty lingers. The Grizzlies, two weeks out from the trade deadline, have a decision to make. The team’s performance this year hasn’t lived up to expectations, with trade chatter casting a shadow over the campaign. As of January 22, Memphis sits outside the playoff picture, and the franchise is at a crossroads. Do they double down on Morant and their current core, or do they hit the reset button and look to the future?

ESPN insider Michael C. Wright summed up the dilemma after Morant’s explosive return in London: “That probably won’t stop the brass from surveying a potential trade, but given the Grizzlies’ collection of talent that includes Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey, this team could make a serious push for a play-in spot if Morant is committed to the cause and stays healthy.” There’s no shortage of talent in Memphis, and if Morant remains, the Grizzlies could yet salvage their season. But the front office must weigh that possibility against the allure of a full rebuild—especially with the 2026 NBA Draft class rumored to feature several future stars.

It’s not just Morant’s status that’s under scrutiny. The possibility of a major shake-up has fans and pundits speculating about the future of other key players, including Jaren Jackson Jr. A full-scale rebuild could see the Grizzlies part ways with multiple cornerstones, betting on draft lottery luck to land a transformative talent. However, as of now, Memphis doesn’t own one of the league’s worst records, so securing a top-five pick is far from guaranteed.

On the court, Morant’s numbers this season have dipped compared to his usual output. He’s averaging career lows in shooting percentage (40.7%), three-point percentage (23.5%), and player efficiency rating (16.1)—all marks that have added fuel to the debate about his future. According to NBA.com, the Grizzlies’ net rating was actually better with Morant off the court (plus-0.1) than when he played (minus-4.9) heading into the Atlanta game. Those stats, combined with the off-court drama, have made for a turbulent campaign in Memphis.

Yet, Morant’s impact is undeniable. Even in a down year, he remains the face of the franchise and one of the NBA’s most marketable stars. His passion, explosiveness, and flair have made him a fan favorite, and his loyalty to Memphis is well documented. When asked by the media on January 21 if he expected to be with the Grizzlies past the trade deadline, Morant replied, “I’m the only one you asked that question to?” before reiterating his commitment to the team. “All I can do is live with it,” he said of the rumors.

The Grizzlies’ next test comes quickly: they host Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on January 23 at the FedEx Forum, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. CT. The matchup offers another chance for Morant and his teammates to prove they can rise above the distractions and keep their postseason hopes alive. Fans can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network or stream it via NBA League Pass.

As the trade deadline approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Memphis must choose a path—build around their embattled star and chase a playoff berth, or pivot toward a future built on youth and draft capital. For now, the only certainty is uncertainty. The Morant saga continues, and the next two weeks promise to shape the Grizzlies’ destiny for years to come.

Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: the basketball world will be watching Memphis, waiting to see which way the winds of change will blow.