Grizzlies Hint at Ja Morant Trade After Kleiman's Remarks

Grizzlies GM's comments suggest the team is ready to move on from star guard Ja Morant this offseason.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's movements broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, light blue, and gold, representing the Memphis Grizzlies' team colors and the fractured state of the franchise as it moves on from star player Ja Morant.A Grizzlies franchise at a crossroads as the Ja Morant era appears to be nearing its end in Memphis.Memphis Today

The Memphis Grizzlies appear poised to trade star guard Ja Morant this summer, based on comments made by team general manager Zach Kleiman. Kleiman's remarks at the team's end-of-season press conference hinted that the Grizzlies are ready to part ways with Morant, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in recent seasons. While Kleiman did not explicitly state that Morant will be traded, his response when asked about the player's future suggests that a deal is likely imminent.

Why it matters

Morant has been the face of the Grizzlies franchise since being drafted in 2019, leading the team to the playoffs in 2022. However, his injury issues and dips in production have raised questions about his long-term fit in Memphis. A Morant trade would signal a new direction for the Grizzlies as they look to accelerate their rebuild around other young talent.

The details

Morant has two years and $87 million remaining on his current contract, which could complicate trade negotiations. The Grizzlies previously listened to offers for Morant at the trade deadline, but ultimately kept him on the roster. However, Kleiman's comments at the team's exit interviews suggest the organization is now ready to move on from the star guard.

  • Morant suffered a left elbow UCL sprain in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks on January 21, 2026, which proved to be his final game as a Grizzly.
  • Morant was shut down for the remainder of the 2025-26 season in late March after receiving a PRP injection in his elbow.

The players

Ja Morant

A 24-year-old guard who has been the face of the Memphis Grizzlies since being drafted in 2019. Morant has averaged 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game in his career, but has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in recent seasons.

Zach Kleiman

The general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, who hinted at a potential Ja Morant trade during the team's end-of-season press conference.

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What they’re saying

“I think everyone is on the same page as much as they can be. I'm not going to speculate on potential transactions.”

— Zach Kleiman, General Manager, Memphis Grizzlies

What’s next

The Grizzlies will likely explore trade options for Ja Morant this offseason, with the Milwaukee Bucks mentioned as a potential landing spot. The team's draft positioning will also be crucial as they look to accelerate their rebuild around other young talent.

The takeaway

The Grizzlies' decision to move on from Ja Morant, their franchise player, signals a new era for the team as they look to rebuild around different pieces. While Morant's tenure in Memphis had its highs, his recent struggles with injuries and inconsistency have led the organization to conclude that a fresh start is needed for both parties.