The Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic have kicked off the NBA offseason with a blockbuster trade.
Despite the 2025 NBA Finals yet to reach a conclusion, the Orlando Magic decided to grab attention following a shocking trade to acquire Desmond Bane.
The Memphis Grizzlies received a massive haul in a deal centered around Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. With the Grizzlies acquiring significant draft capital, it could be a sign the franchise is moving in a different direction.
That could mean another blockbuster trade brewing, namely involving their current franchise superstar Ja Morant, who finished the sixth season of his NBA career.
Keeping that in mind, NBA Analysis Network proposes three potential moves centered around Morant in the offseason. It features the Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and Houston Rockets.
Photo by Justin Ford/Getty ImagesMiami HeatMiami Heat receive: Ja MorantMemphis Grizzlies receive: Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Kel’el Ware, 2025 first-round pick via GSW, 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Morant is among the three losers from the Bane trade as it is a clear sign that the Grizzlies’ top brass is getting impatient with the current core.
In this proposed trade the Grizzlies would send Morant to the Heat in a package centered around Andrew Wiggins. The likes of Kyle Anderson and Kel’el Ware will help in matching the salaries for the move.
On top of that, getting three draft picks would be an enticing package for the Grizzlies in their quest to rebuild the roster.
For the Heat, the trade will allow them to add a talented star to the dynamic duo of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Morant’s ability to score will also take some load off Adebayo, who can then focus on becoming a truly elite defender for the Heat.
Some may question Morant’s fit on the Heat due to his off-court troubles in the past, but let’s not forget, that Miami is famous for its ‘Heat Culture.’ It worked well for Jimmy Butler too, as he became a leader of men after joining the organization.
Brooklyn NetsBrooklyn Nets receive: Ja MorantMemphis Grizzlies receive: Cam Thomas, De’Anthony Melton, 2025 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
The Nets’ offer is somewhat similar to what the Heat could offer, but Brooklyn has a haul of draft picks in its inventory. In fact, they have the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
The key to making this trade will be how well the Nets can negotiate with Cam Thomas and De’Anthony Melton. After all, both players are set to become free agents this offseason.
The Nets will likely indulge in a sign-and-trade for both players. Additionally, the two future FRPs should be enough to convince the Grizzlies to engage in this trade.
Morant is currently 25 years old and could enjoy an excellent spell in Brooklyn alongside Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson as his teammates in the frontcourt.
Moreover, this trade will help the Nets have one of the best offseasons in the history of the NBA.
Houston Rockets
Photo by Justin Ford/Getty ImagesHouston Rockets receive: Ja MorantMemphis Grizzlies receive: Jalen Green, Tari Eason, 2025 first-round pick via PHX, 2028 first-round pick
At first glance, the Rockets’ offer may look worse than the previous two, but let’s not forget that the team is coming off the heels of a 50-32 finish in the Western Conference.
Jalen Green played a key role in it, averaging 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while playing in all 82 contests. So the opportunity to get a player of this caliber, who is just 23 years old, could be tough for the Grizzlies to pass up.
Additionally, the 2025 first-round pick is the 10th overall selection in the NBA Draft as the Rockets acquired it via the Phoenix Suns.
Morant would get traded to a title contender that has a solid supporting cast and the Grizzlies would get a new cornerstone star with this move.
If the two franchises engage in this hypothetical trade, it will be a win-win move for both sides.