The Memphis Grizzlies have stumbled out of the gate in the 2025-26 season, but their problems extend far beyond the box score. With All-Star point guard Ja Morant admitting he has “lost joy” for basketball and publicly calling out head coach Tuomas Iisalo, the franchise is facing a potential crisis.
The turmoil has sparked trade rumors, with many viewing the Houston Rockets, who need a point guard, as a logical destination, but the situation is far from simple.
Why Aren’t the Houston Rockets Interested in Ja Morant?
Despite the natural fit on paper, the Rockets are reportedly not pursuing the explosive point guard. Sam Amick of The Athletic noted that while other teams are monitoring the situation, Houston does not appear to be one of them. While there’s some interest in his services around the league, Amick reported that the Rockets aren’t one of the teams keeping tabs on Morant.
“The Minnesota Timberwolves, per a team source, are one. Ditto for the Sacramento Kings. The Grizzlies’ next opponent, the Houston Rockets, need a point guard after losing Fred Van Vleet to a torn ACL in the preseason but, per a team source, are unlikely to pursue him. That’s just a small sample size of what might be out there, and not out there, if the Morant sweepstakes ever actually begin,” Amick wrote.
Houston’s financial landscape complicates this decision. The Rockets have struggled with playmaking since losing Fred VanVleet, but he is still signed to a two-year, $50 million contract. After also signing Kevin Durant to a contract extension, the team has little room to add more expensive talent to its roster.
How Much Has Morant’s Trade Value Declined?
The Rockets’ hesitation reflects a broader concern within the league. Despite Morant’s unmatched athleticism and pedigree as a former No. 2 pick, his value has taken a significant hit. A recent string of injuries, questionable off-court behavior, and conflicts with his coaches have made front offices wary. According to NBA insider Marc Spears, many teams are hesitant to make a move for him.
“Four of the execs I talked to today say they really have no interest in trading for him,” Spears said. “One said it was because it’s a combo of contract and off-court issues. Another suggested that if Ja is traded it’ll probably be a problem star for a problem star. I asked one current NBA coach if he would like to coach Ja Morant and he said, ‘I’m not sure I’d want to.’”
Morant’s history in Memphis amplifies this sentiment. The Grizzlies fired coach Taylor Jenkins late in the 2024-25 season, reportedly due to Morant’s complaints, yet he seems just as dissatisfied with his successor. With an average yearly salary of $39 million on a contract that runs through the 2027-28 season, any team looking to acquire him will have to think twice before taking on that financial and locker-room risk.
