Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies could be nearing a divorce.
Drafted second overall in 2019, Morant quickly established himself as one of the NBA’s brightest rising stars. A Rookie of the Year, multiple-time All-Star, and human highlight reel, he looked like the franchise superstar Memphis had been looking for.
However, his time in Memphis has increasingly been defined by various on- and off-the-court problems, ranging from constant injuries to multiple suspensions. Making matters worse, the Grizzlies have won just one playoff series during Morant’s seven-season tenure. Now, reported tension between Morant and head coach Tuomas Iisalo has intensified speculation that the star guard’s time in Memphis could be coming to a close.
Morant, currently sidelined with a calf strain, is averaging just 17.9 points per game through 12 outings, his lowest mark since his rookie year. Still, a perennial All-Star at just 26 years old would command significant trade interest — and a sizable return — ahead of the NBA deadline on Feb. 5.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Grizzlies remain the favorites for where Morant will play his next regular-season minute after the trade deadline (+225). If he is traded, here are some of the top landing spots with competitive odds.
Sacramento Kings (+550)
The Sacramento Kings are in free fall. Sitting at 4–13 and second-to-last place in the Western Conference, the Kings finally snapped their eight-game losing streak with a win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. But the victory does little to mask the growing sense that a roster overhaul is coming.
Reports indicate that the front office is willing to shop nearly every player on the roster. Sacramento general manager Scott Perry is said to be focused on building around burgeoning wings Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford — a strategy that could push veterans like Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan onto the trade block in a full-blown fire sale. With several attractive pieces, Sacramento has the assets to concoct a package for a star point guard of the future.
Toronto Raptors (+700)
The Toronto Raptors could become buyers at the trade deadline — and they should go all in. Sitting at 12–5 and second place in the East, the Raptors are riding a seven-game winning streak and look just one dynamic point guard away from setting themselves in a wide-open conference.
Toronto’s lineup is driven by the forward triumvirate of Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett. While Immanuel Quickley is having a strong season, he could headline a trade package for Morant — a swing-for-the-fences move that might take this Raptors team over the top.
Minnesota Timberwolves (+1400)
It’s going to be tough. The trades for Rudy Gobert and Rob Dillingham have severely depleted Minnesota’s future draft capital, meaning the Timberwolves would need to construct a deal built around players who satisfy the NBA’s salary-matching rules and restrictions.
Still, Minnesota has been knocking on the door for far too long. Sitting at seventh in the Western Conference with a 10–6 record, the Timberwolves are aching for their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history after falling short in the Conference Finals two years in a row.
Upgrading from Mike Conley or Donte DiVincenzo to Ja Morant immediately raises their ceiling — and creates a must-see TV backcourt alongside fellow superstar Anthony Edwards.
