The future of Ja Morant remains up in the air, and the Memphis Grizzlies have some important decisions to make in the coming months.
It starts in June, with the NBA Draft. After Sunday’s lottery, the Grizzlies ended up in a favorable spot, winning the third-overall pick after going 25-57 in 2025-2026.
Memphis will be in line to take on one of the top incoming prospects in a draft that is widely considered to be stacked within the top five.
With the Grizzlies on the brink of entering a full rebuild–which would include the departure of Ja Morant–league sources are beginning to question the Grizzlies’ commitment to making the pick. Maybe the selection helps the Grizzlies kickstart a bigger move, while hitting reset on the Morant era.
The Latest Surrounding The Grizzlies’ Third Pick
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 30: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at FedExForum on December 30, 2025 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)
“It didn’t take long for an agent on the ground in Chicago to suggest to me that Memphis could potentially look to trade down from No. 3 as part of deal that ships out Morant,” The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer wrote.
“But I find such a scenario almost certainly too drastic. If anything Grizzlies president Zach Kleiman has a history of trading up and/or into the draft. Don’t forget that he just did so last June, swapping picks with Portland to be able to select Cedric Coward at No. 11 overall.”
Will The Grizzlies Hold Ja Morant?
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 29: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks at a news conference during the Memphis Grizzlies Media Day at FedExForum on September 29, 2025 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)
The 2025-2026 NBA season consisted of countless rumors regarding Morant’s standing with the Grizzlies. As the veteran guard went public with his frustrations regarding the coaching staff early on, it seemed Morant would welcome a change of scenery.
However, when Morant publicly spoke, he would make it clear that he is committed to the Memphis Grizzlies.
As for the team, they were rumored to be shopping Morant around ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. A lack of interest in the veteran high-flyer was evident.
Morant has had a bout with off-court issues in the past. He also has an injury-prone label, and looked regressed when healthy in 2025-2026. For the next two seasons, Morant is guaranteed over $42 million in salary each year. If the Grizzlies want to move on, they’ll have to reward a suitor for taking on that kind of salary.
Of course, rival teams will want the third pick. There isn’t any harm in trying to get it while the pre-draft process unfolds. A lot can take place over the next few weeks, but it seems the Grizzlies aren’t getting too active in the trade market just yet.