Grizzlies' Ja Morant Seen as 'Negative Value' by NBA Teams

ESPN's Brian Windhorst says Morant's off-court issues and declining on-court performance have cratered his trade value.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:23am

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According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Ja Morant was seen as having "negative value" by NBA teams at the trade deadline, with no teams willing to acquire him without the Grizzlies attaching draft compensation. Windhorst cited Morant's suspensions, injuries, and declining on-court production as the reasons for his plummeting trade value, as well as the two years and $87 million remaining on his contract.

Why it matters

Morant was once considered a rising star in the NBA, but his off-court issues and inconsistent play have severely damaged his reputation and trade value around the league. This could have major implications for Morant's future with the Grizzlies and his long-term NBA career.

The details

Windhorst explained that Morant's combination of availability issues, performance decline, and contract structure have made him an unattractive trade target. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, Morant has played in just 79 games due to suspensions and injuries. This season alone, he's missed 20 of Memphis' 49 games. Statistically, Morant is averaging career lows in field-goal percentage and three-point shooting, and the two years and $87 million remaining on his contract have made teams reluctant to take a "buy low" gamble on him.

  • Since the start of the 2023-24 season, Morant has played just 79 games.
  • This season alone, Morant has missed 20 of Memphis' 49 games due to suspensions and injuries.

The players

Ja Morant

A 26-year-old two-time NBA All-Star and former face of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise.

Brian Windhorst

An ESPN reporter who delivered a blunt assessment of Morant's trade value.

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What they’re saying

“When I say he has no value, I don't even think that's accurate. I think he's got what they call in the league 'negative value.' Teams were not willing to take Ja Morant unless draft compensation was attached. In other words, you'd have to pay us to take him.”

— Brian Windhorst, ESPN Reporter (Get Up)

“Between the suspensions, the injuries and the issues with the coaches, he has missed so many games. Secondly, he's at his best when he's getting into the paint, and he's never done it less. He's never taken more jump shots, and he's never been worse at them.”

— Brian Windhorst, ESPN Reporter (Get Up)

What’s next

If Morant can play winning, high-level basketball down the stretch once healthy, Windhorst believes his trade options could change.

The takeaway

Ja Morant's off-court issues and declining on-court performance have severely damaged his reputation and trade value around the NBA, potentially jeopardizing his long-term future with the Grizzlies if he cannot turn things around.