Trade speculation around Ja Morant continues to grow as the Memphis Grizzlies appear increasingly open to moving the former franchise star ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. One NBA insider points out the best team in case Morant did hit the trade market.
NBA Insider Names Top Destination for Ja Morant Amid Trade Rumors
The two-time NBA All-Star has spent seven seasons with the Grizzlies after being selected second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. During his time with the Grizzlies, he won Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player honors and helped transform the franchise into a playoff contender.
However, league sources believe a separation is becoming more likely. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Jan. 9, 2026, that Memphis is engaging in trade talks involving Morant for the first time, with multiple teams expressing interest. The Grizzlies currently sit at 16-22 and are evaluating their long-term direction.
One potential framework was outlined by an ESPN insider who proposed a deal involving the Toronto Raptors. In the scenario, Toronto would acquire Morant in exchange for Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, and a 2026 first-round pick that is top-14 protected.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks explained why the move could appeal to both sides.
“For the Raptors, a Morant trade is similar to the approach last year when they took a chance on trading for the injured Ingram,” Marks wrote. “In a wide-open East, a combination of Morant, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Ingram could push them toward the top of the conference.”
Marks also noted the financial aspect of the move.
“Toronto also gains an extra year of financial freedom by swapping Quickley for Morant,” he wrote.
From Memphis’ perspective, the deal would offer flexibility and depth.
“Memphis, on the other hand, would now have three first-round picks this season and a starter in Quickley who is under a manageable contract for the next four seasons,” Marks wrote.
Morant, 26, has faced several challenges this season. He has played only 18 games and has not appeared in more than 50 games in either of the past two seasons. Injuries and availability concerns have limited his impact, and his on-court production has dipped.
He is averaging 19 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. That scoring mark is well below the roughly 23 points per game he averaged over the previous four seasons.
Morant has also dealt with internal friction. Reports indicate tension with Tuomas Iisalo, the Grizzlies’ new head coach. In November 2025, Morant was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, further fueling questions about his future in Memphis.
Contract factors also loom large. Morant signed a five-year, $197,230,450 deal with the Grizzlies and has three years remaining. He will be eligible to sign a three-year, $178 million extension this summer, a decision that could significantly impact the Grizzlies’ financial planning.
For the Raptors (23-16), the appeal lies in upside. They have shown a willingness to take calculated risks and could view Morant as a potential franchise-changing talent if he returns to form. Pairing him with Barnes and Barrett would give Toronto a dynamic core in a competitive Eastern Conference.
