{"id":703641,"date":"2026-04-07T16:30:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/703641\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T16:30:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:30:17","slug":"grizzlies-trading-ja-morant-to-bucks-fell-apart-for-one-big-reason","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/703641\/","title":{"rendered":"Grizzlies Trading Ja Morant to Bucks Fell Apart for One Big Reason"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum on January 31, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Memphis Grizzlies<\/a> have endured a lot this season. Injuries ruined any shot they had of competing this year, almost from the beginning. Zach Edey<\/a> started things off by missing the first few weeks of the year. He wouldn\u2019t be the last Grizzly to get hurt.<\/p>\n

Ja Morant<\/a> also suffered a myriad of injuries. Things got so bad that other teams were inquiring about his availability. The Milwaukee Bucks<\/a> were one of them. They were looking to pair Morant with Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> in an effort to save their season.<\/p>\n

According to a recent report, the deal fell apart for one key reason.<\/p>\n

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GettyMemphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant dribbles the ball. (Photo by Justin Ford\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Memphis Grizzlies Almost Traded Ja Morant to the Bucks<\/p>\n

According to ESPN\u2019s Shams Charania<\/a>, the Grizzlies wanted Milwaukee to include Ryan Rollins<\/a> in a deal for Morant. Memphis wanted a young point guard who could replace Morant. The Bucks declined to do that, believing that he is a piece of their future.<\/p>\n

Instead of Morant leaving, he stayed with Memphis and is still on the roster. Morant has played just 20 games this season. Over the last three years, he has suited up for just 79 games, which hurts his marketability to other teams. That\u2019s the biggest reason why Milwaukee didn\u2019t include Rollins in a deal.<\/p>\n

Morant will likely be a player that the Grizzlies shop around this offseason. It would be surprising if he were on the roster heading into next season. Injuries aren\u2019t the only reason why. Morant has had multiple off-court issues that have soured Memphis on keeping him.<\/p>\n

Getting a young player and some draft picks in return for Morant is Memphis\u2019 top priority. It might not be reasonable for them to expect multiple first-round draft picks for him at this point. Still, they are going to try to get as much as they can for him.<\/p>\n

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GettyMemphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant drives the ball. (Photo by Justin Ford\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Memphis is in a Massive Rebuild Starting This Summer<\/p>\n

After contending for some of the top seeds in the Western Conference over the last few years, the Grizzlies are now about to undertake a big rebuild. Morant is not the leader who can help them get back to the playoffs or contend for a title, so he needs to go.<\/p>\n

Right now, Memphis sits 13th in the Western Conference standings. They are tied for having the sixth-best odds<\/a> to land the number-one overall pick in the NBA<\/a> Draft. Adding at least a top-four pick to the roster would help accelerate the rebuild. That\u2019s what they are holding their hopes on.<\/p>\n

Memphis will try to add players via free agency to help the rebuild, as well. Adding at least one first-round pick in either this year\u2019s draft or next year\u2019s draft in a trade involving Morant should be their goal. This year\u2019s draft is supposed to be loaded from top to bottom.<\/p>\n

The Grizzlies would feel a lot better landing one of the top four picks.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRyan Stano<\/a> Ryan Stano covers the NBA and College Football for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Grizzlies\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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