Going into the 2026 NBA Draft, several NBA stars will hear their names included in trade rumors leading up to the big event. Most won’t hear a real peep about deals close to getting done, but the Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant could be viewed as one of the few moving pieces during the event.
The Grizzlies are hitting a rebuild. It started back in February ahead of the trade deadline. While Morant’s name was heavily included in the rumor market, Memphis didn’t have any deals on the table that were worth making.
Could that change on draft night? A recent mock draft from Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley suggests a trade idea for Memphis to move Morant, while staying high in the draft order.
Ja Morant Joins The Brooklyn Nets?
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)
After the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, the Grizzlies learned that they would be picking No. 3. In this case, they moved back to No. 6.
In the hypothetical trade, the Grizzlies move Ja Morant and the No. 3 pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for the No. 6 pick, Nic Claxton, and Terance Mann.
The Nets would land themselves a proven guard with All-Star accolades. That could be a move that satisfies the championship-winning forward, Michael Porter Jr., who is ready to compete now, but understands the landscape of the Nets currently.
Morant has over 300 games of experience across seven seasons. Last year was a down season, as he played in just 20 games. Morant has averaged 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds throughout his career.
The Nets have an opportunity to potentially select an exciting incoming guard in Darius Acuff Jr. They could get him at No. 6. If Brooklyn values the known about Ja Morant over the potential of Acuff, then making the deal is certainly something worth exploring.
Would The Grizzlies Be Wise To Make The Deal?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 21: Nic Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates during the second half of the 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 21, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Nets defeat the Celtics 113-105. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Claxton is a quality center who brings decent value to both sides of the ball. He’s been consistent with his production throughout his career, producing averages of 10.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
As for Terance Mann, he’s coming off a one-year run in Brooklyn. Last season, Mann appeared in 63 games. He averaged 7.2 points and 3.0 assists, while shooting 36.4% from three.
While Mann hasn’t had the breakout year that the Los Angeles Clippers once hoped for, he’s still a solid rotational player with seven seasons of experience.
If getting Morant off the books is a priority, this is a deal worth making.
NBA Mock Draft Presents Ja Morant Trade Idea to Eastern Conference