One Marquee Team Said 'NO' To Ja Morant Trade—Here's Why

When Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded as we approached the trade deadline, everyone assumed that Ja Morant would be next out the door as the Memphis Grizzlies tear it all down for a rebuild.

But a funny thing happened on the way to a Ja Morant trade: Teams simply weren't interested. At least, not unless the Grizz actually threw in draft capital in order for a team to take him off their hands.

Between injuries, a huge contract, suspensions and a huge attitude problem, Morant's trade value has bottomed out.

Ja Morant is viewed around the league as holding negative trade value, per @WindhorstESPN.

Potentially interested teams would only acquire Morant if the Grizzlies attached draft compensation.

Memphis will again shop Morant this summer as they go all-in for a rebuild. pic.twitter.com/WRWVEtDzfk
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 6, 2026

In fact, Morant held "negative" trade value, per insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN. That's why teams were only slightly interested if they got back draft picks in addition to the expensive point guard.

And one marquee team that was thought to be a potential destination (and a desired landing spot for Ja himself), the Miami Heat, said 'No, thanks.'

The Heat discussed trading for Ja Morant internally but decided not to pursue him because of his contract and injury history

(via @flasportsbuzz h/t @HeatvsHaters) pic.twitter.com/DKXBwg0jwA
— Hoops Alerts (@TheHoopsAlerts) February 6, 2026

Miami insider Barry Jackson said while Heat brass discussed internally whether to trade for Morant, they decided not to go forward due to his contract and injury history.

Morant has played only 79 games total over the last three seasons combined. He has about $100 million left on his contract from this point on, $87M over the final two years. He's had three times as many suspensions (3) as playoff series victories (1) in his seven years in Memphis.

The Grizzlies are expected to revisit this in the summer and will try once again to rid themselves of the two-time All-Star at that point.