The Grizzlies show Morant the door

After Trae Young, now comes Ja Morant. There is something undeniably ironic about it when you remember that all three belong to the 2019 draft class – even if Morant arrived in the NBA a year later than the former Hawks guard and Luka Dončić. Three players from the same generation, all changing destinations: the Slovenian moved from the Mavericks to the Lakers, Trae ended up with the Wizards, and now it remains to be seen where Morant lands. He looks far more obsolete than the other names mentioned here, with a future as uncertain as his past has been dark. That is what happens when you become a magnet for scandals and fail to make any real sporting progress after being crowned a franchise player.

The Grizzlies have already shown the point guard the door. His lack of development has been compounded by persistent physical problems that have robbed him of continuity in recent seasons. Officially, he is injured and has not played since January 2, missing his team’s last four games. The reality, however, is that he will not wear the jersey of what has so far been his only NBA team again. A final resolution is expected in less than a month, with February 5 marking the trade deadline. The key question is who is willing to bet on Morant – and at what price.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, executives around the league believe the Memphis Grizzlies are seeking young talent and draft picks in exchange for Morant. The problem is his contract: nearly $40 million this season, $42 million next year, and $44 million in 2027–28. That makes him a toxic asset, increasingly devalued by his on-court performances of late. Injuries only add to the concern. Last season he played 50 games, the year before just nine. In fact, only during his rookie year – when he appeared in 67 games – did he surpass the 65-game threshold introduced in the NBA’s latest collective bargaining agreement as the minimum to qualify for individual awards.

Morant, who has been with the Grizzlies since 2019, averages 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists over his career. He was named Rookie of the Year and exploded in the 2021–22 season in what looked like a definitive breakthrough that never quite materialized: Most Improved Player, All-Star (an honor he repeated the following year), Second Team All-NBA, and seventh in MVP voting. That year he averaged 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists. But that was as far as it went. Inconsistency, injuries, and scandals involving firearms led to suspensions and an endless cycle of setbacks. For a player whose days with the Grizzlies are clearly numbered, it is a story that surprises no one. For whatever reason.

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