Doubts over Ja Morant’s future: renew or trade?

The jaw-dropping trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers that sent Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic to new teams just weeks ago has sent shockwaves through the NBA. Beyond concerns like the Slovenian star’s physical condition and work ethic, this move highlighted the level of trust required to commit $345 million—the projected supermax contract Doncic was eligible for next summer. The Mavericks chose not to make that commitment. Instead, they bundled him into a trade package and sent him elsewhere. While shocking, it’s neither unprecedented nor likely to stop happening anytime soon. The recent collective bargaining agreements, coupled with lucrative television rights deals, have injected even more money into the NBA, creating higher stakes for these blockbuster trades.

Grizzlies face Morant dilemma

One team now facing a similar dilemma is the Memphis Grizzlies with their superstar Ja Morant. The franchise will soon need to decide just how much they’re willing to bet on their transcendent talent.

Veteran NBA journalist Howard Beck recently ignited speculation with insider intel from league executives. In his conversations leading up to the trade deadline this past February, one remark stood out: “I’m constantly checking in with executives around trade deadline about like, okay, what we saw, what we didn’t see, what’s next, and in this league you are always, always, always on the lookout for who’s the next wave of stars that are going to be dealt, right?And somebody out of the blue said, ‘Keep an eye on Ja [Morant] this summer.’” Beck emphasized that he’s now closely monitoring this situation to see how it unfolds.

Ja Morant is currently in just his second year of a five-year contract, with three seasons still remaining. Next season, the third year of his deal, is set to be his most lucrative yet, maximizing his financial value in the NBA. However, negotiations to secure his long-term future could begin soon, which is why the Memphis Grizzlies are already weighing their options.

The Grizzlies finished 13th in the Southwest last year

From a team perspective, the Grizzlies’ collective results over the past five years leave much to be desired. They’ve won just one playoff series, suffered two first-round exits, and failed to qualify for the postseason twice.

Individually, however, Temetrius Jamel Morant (his full name) has established himself as one of the league’s most electrifying players. Known for his clutch performances, explosive drives, highlight-reel dunks, and much more, he’s undeniably a superstar. Still, the team must balance his on-court brilliance with the numerous off-court controversies that have raised questions about his long-term future.

Howard Beck’s report stirred the pot, prompting a swift denial from the Grizzlies. General Manager Zach Kleiman publicly addressed the speculation, telling Drew Hill: “I can’t blame other “executives” for fantasizing about us trading Ja. But it’s just that - fantasy. We are not trading Ja. Continue to underestimate Ja, this team and this city, and we will let our performance on the floor speak for itself. I’m not going to give this nonsense further oxygen and look forward to getting back to basketball.”

Since being drafted second overall in 2019, just behind Zion Williamson, Morant has been both a blessing and a challenge for Memphis. At 25 years old, with the Grizzlies currently fighting for second place in the Western Conference, Morant is averaging 20.4 points, 7.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game—a testament to his immense value.

The Grizzlies also face a financial balancing act. The franchise has been actively managing its salary cap, both for the present and future, as significant decisions loom. Marcus Smart’s departure was a prime example of tough choices aimed at retaining core talent. This summer, Jaren Jackson Jr. will be up for a new contract, and if he wins Defensive Player of the Year, his value will only increase.

Meanwhile, Santi Aldama, following a breakout season, is due for a pay raise—but Memphis must decide whether to match his value or let him walk. These are just a few scenarios requiring Kleiman’s financial ingenuity to keep the team competitive. And with Morant’s eventual extension on the horizon, the question remains: will Memphis commit to handing him the keys to their future?

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