The Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant relationship has shown cracks throughout the years, but it seems to have reached it’s boiling point after the Los Angeles Lakers game on October 31st.
The Timberwolves are a team that has been on the cusp of greatness, and with Anthony Edwards a legit-Top 5 Superstar, there are questions whether Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert are the right co-stars to take Minnesota to a Finals.
While Morant is one of the most talented players in the league, he is also an enigma, and a player that doesn’t seem to have a long-term future with Memphis. Here’s why the Minnesota Timberwolves are a perfect landing spot in a potential trade. This is a prediction, not a report.
Key Takeaways from this article:
Ja Morant got in a serious quarrel with his coaching staff after the Los Angeles Lakers game.
Minnesota Timberwolves need a legit point guard to pair with Anthony Edwards.
Ja Morant Trade Proposal to the Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: PG Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Julius Randle + F Terrance Shannon Jr + Rob Dillingham + 2028 MIN 1st
Ja Morant vs Grizzlies Coaches
Ja Morant only scored 8 points on 3 of 14 shooting against the Lakers, and in his postgame presser in the locker room, Morant had words about his coaching staff.
He was asked what went wrong in the loss: “Go ask the coaching staff,” and doubled down, saying, “Go ask him.” Morant played just 30 minutes, 58 seconds on Friday — consistent with his limited workload early this season. He’s appeared in all six games but hasn’t topped 31 minutes in any.
Morant also said, “According to them, probably don’t play me, honestly. That’s basically what the message was after.” He also clarified that he’s not hurt or sick, saying simply, “I’m fine.”
All in all, this was a very telling moment in the Morant-Memphis relationship as it’s clear the coaching staff is not happy with the effort/production of Ja Morant, and Morant clearly is saying he isn’t a fan of this regime right now.
Why Minnesota Would Make This Trade
For Minnesota it’s simple, pairing Edwards with another superstar in Morant could become the best guard tandem in the entire league. Minnesota has a solid roster right now, but they don’t seem like world beaters, and the upside seems limited when opposing teams crackdown and double Edwards.
Julius Randle is the golden question in this as he’s stepped up in moments to be an elite running mate for Edwards, but if Minnesota isn’t moved by Randle being the #2, this is a trade they should undoubtedly entertain.
Other Ja Morant Landing Spots
Houston Rockets – Reed Sheppard & HOU 2028 1st
Toronto Raptors – Immanuel Quickley & Ochai Agbaji + TOR 2027 1st & TOR 2029 1st
Minnesota Proposal #2: Rudy Gobert + Rob Dillingham + 2 2026 2nd’s
Minnesota Proposal #3: Naz Reid + Rob Dillingham + Mike Conley + Terrance Shannon Jr
Ja Morant Contract
Morant is under contract for the next three seasons where he is making $39 million, $42 million, and $44 million. While this may seem like a lot, it’s actually a bargain compared to his NBA peers as his 2025-2026 cap hit only ranks 28th in the NBA.
Ja Morant Stats
Morant is averaging 23.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds so far in the 2025-26 season.
His shooting percentage is listed at 47.2% from the field so far this season. He had a 35-point performance (against the New Orleans Pelicans) where he shot 13-20 from the field in 29 minutes.