Ja Morant Return Falls Flat for Trade Market

Ja Morant returned with 24 points and 13 assists, yet league insiders say one strong game did not lift his trade market. Zach Lowe reported, "I have not found a team that has definitively said to me, 'We're definitely trying to get Ja Morant.'" The Grizzlies may be "entertaining offers" but GM Zach Kleiman is seeking "serious draft capital," and Morant’s injuries plus a roughly $42 million cap hit make teams wary. Merlin sees a stall more than a surge. Morant calls himself a "very loyal guy" and his Grizzlies tattoo signals where he wants to be, but teams balance upside against availability and cost. If Memphis holds firm on draft compensation, the point guard probably stays through the Feb. 5 deadline and must rebuild value with health and consistency.