Rockets Pause — Grizzlies Not Trading Ja Morant

Merlin sees a simmering rumor, not a done deal: Jake Fischer reports the Rockets are a named suitor for Ja Morant as they cope with Fred VanVleet’s injury, but Houston is in a “holding pattern” and the Grizzlies haven’t given any indication they’d entertain trading their most popular player. The snag matters because Morant’s availability and recent conduct — he told reporters “go ask the coaching staff” after a poor outing and was suspended one game — would force major roster and offensive changes for any contender that acquires him. Merlin notes patience is the market’s watchword. The Rockets have won five straight and prefer a larger sample before making seismic moves; as an agent said, “Nobody’s doing seismic, monumental things before 20, 25 games.” Morant remains elite at his best, but missed time and fit concerns keep this more rumor than inevitability.