The Memphis Grizzlies are facing a soul-searching question: should they continue to build around Ja Morant, or have the emotional and financial burdens become too heavy to carry?
Not long ago, Morant was the face of flash, explosiveness, fearlessness, and confidence. He transformed the Grizzlies from a respected underdog into one of the league’s most exciting teams almost overnight. But after a disastrous 2025-26 season and landing the No. 3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, whispers around the league are growing louder. A once-unthinkable scenario is being discussed behind closed doors: trading Morant. For a team stuck in neutral, this might be the cleanest path forward.
**A Brutal Season**
The 2025-26 campaign was agonizing. A 25-57 record marked the collapse of what was supposed to be a Western Conference powerhouse. Injuries, inconsistent play, and front office confusion turned the season into a survival grind rather than competition.
The low point came at the trade deadline when the Grizzlies sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. That move was essentially a white flag—the team was no longer aiming for contention.
Without Jackson’s defensive anchor and stabilizing presence in the locker room, the Grizzlies sank deeper into irrelevance. The identity built on toughness, physicality, and energy all but disappeared. FedExForum lost its intimidating edge, replaced by uncertainty.
The No. 3 pick offers a glimmer of hope but forces the front office to define the team’s direction. And all roads lead back to Morant.
**Morant’s Growing Risk**
Morant’s talent is undeniable. His explosiveness to the rim elevates highlight reels, and the Grizzlies built their entire identity around his fearless style.
He delivered on expectations immediately, winning Rookie of the Year, leading Memphis to the playoffs, and evolving into a top-tier offensive engine. At his peak, he looked like a potential face of the league.
But the relationship between Morant and the franchise has become fragile. Repeated suspensions and off-court issues shifted the focus from his basketball skills to the instability he brings. For a small-market team, these distractions are exhausting.
The big question: can the Grizzlies commit the next decade to Morant without constantly worrying about his next misstep? That uncertainty changes everything.
**A Seemingly Outrageous Trade Idea**
Insiders say executives and agents increasingly believe the Grizzlies may make a blockbuster move: packaging Morant and the No. 3 pick to hit the reset button.
On the surface, the idea seems absurd. Who trades a generational point guard along with the most valuable draft asset?
But this isn’t about talent alone anymore. It’s about salary flexibility, team culture, development timelines, and clear planning.
If Memphis bundles Morant’s max contract with the No. 3 pick, they could attract teams willing to bet on his return to form, gaining leverage in negotiations. Teams like the Brooklyn Nets or San Antonio Spurs, with cap space and patience, might see the risk as worthwhile. For them, landing a top lottery pick while absorbing Morant’s financial and reputational risk could be a smart gamble.
For the Grizzlies, the return could be a treasure trove of future first-round picks, young prospects, and cap relief.
**Why a Full Rebuild Might Be the Answer**
Keeping Morant while trying to develop a top rookie would create a locker room powder keg.
Imagine the Grizzlies draft a promising young player with the No. 3 pick. That kid enters a locker room filled with pressure, uncertainty, and questions about who’s really in charge. The timelines don’t match.
Morant is desperate to reclaim his superstar throne immediately, while a young rookie needs patience, freedom, and stability. Their goals are completely misaligned.
By trading Morant and committing to a draft-based rebuild, Memphis can reset the clock. Suddenly, they’d have multiple picks and cap flexibility. They could build around a shared timeline rather than wasting energy balancing internal conflicts.
It would be painful and break many fans’ hearts. But ultimately, it could bring clarity. Sometimes, living with a clear plan is better than clinging to the past.
**Why the Trade Still Seems Unrealistic**
Of course, logic aside, this is a dangerous gamble. Morant’s trade value is likely at its lowest point. Attaching the No. 3 pick just for a “peaceful breakup” looks like throwing away assets. And in today’s NBA, there’s no guarantee that tanking for picks leads to success.
Behind every successful rebuild are several teams stuck in the lottery cycle. Moreover, Morant is still in his prime. If he can manage his off-court behavior and stay healthy, he could again be one of the most unstoppable guards in the league.
Moving him now could lead to massive regret. But on the flip side, the front office can’t operate out of fear forever.
**Courage Over Comfort**
That’s what makes this situation so fascinating.
The Grizzlies aren’t choosing between good and bad. They’re picking between two poisons.
Option A: Keep building around Morant and pray he stays out of trouble.
Option B: Tear it all down before the damage worsens.
Neither path guarantees success.
But packaging the No. 3 pick in a Morant blockbuster might be the fastest way to reshape the franchise. It’s extreme and high-risk. Yet when losing becomes routine, seemingly “crazy” ideas might be the most practical solutions.