MEMPHIS, TN — As the NBA offseason looms, the future of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has become the league’s most watched storyline. After a turbulent 2025-26 campaign defined by injury and organizational shifts, the trade winds are swirling with two Western Conference teams emerging as serious suitors: the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings.
Phoenix Rising: The Jalen Green Factor
The Phoenix Suns could explore ways to inject a dynamic playmaking spark into their backcourt. Following a season where the lack of a traditional point guard often forced Devin Booker into heavy playmaking duties, adding a talent like Morant would allow the Suns’ stars to return to their more natural roles.
To make a deal financially and logistically viable, the Suns would have to move Jalen Green. Pairing Morant with Booker would create one of the most explosive offensive duos in the league, though the Suns must weigh the long-term salary implications of such a move.
Sacramento’s Evaluation Phase
The Sacramento Kings have had an interest in Morant as far back as the February trade deadline. Despite the long-standing intrigue, the Kings’ front office is currently playing a patient game. According to a Kings official, the team is still in the “evaluation phase” of the offseason. A key component of their strategy depends on the NBA Draft Lottery on May 10; the team is waiting to see where the ping pong balls fall before deciding how aggressively to pursue a blockbuster trade.
While Morant could fit in Sacramento, the Kings do have a point guard in Russell Westbrook who would like to return next season. Westbrook signed a one-year, $3.63 million contract with the Kings for the 2025-26 NBA season and has genuinely enjoyed his time in Northern California. It has been refreshing to see how the Sacramento fanbase has taken to him as he finished his 18th year in the league.
As much as many have criticized his game, Westbrook takes it all in stride. In a recent conversation I had with him, I mentioned my dislike for the negative criticism he’s faced throughout his career. His response was classic Russ:
“The minute they stop talking about you, you are no longer relevant.”
The LaVine Roadblock
Even with the desire to improve, the Kings face a significant internal hurdle regarding roster flexibility. “It will be very hard to move Zach LaVine in any moves this summer based upon what his salary commands next season,” shared one Kings fixture. With LaVine expected to exercise a player option worth approximately $48.9 million for the 2026-27 season, his contract remains a difficult piece to move in a market where teams are increasingly wary of high-salary commitments.
Morant’s Stance: “Trusting the Process”
Despite the noise, sources familiar with Ja Morant’s thinking share that he has not yet expressed a specific destination of interest. Morant has been notably quiet in recent days as he navigates the uncertainty of his future. He has contended that he was “left in the dark” regarding who he might have been traded to at the NBA’s deadline back in February.
Credible league sources have shared with ScoopB.com that Morant has expressed that he still has love for the city of Memphis and the Grizzlies’ loyal fanbase, and he is honestly just trusting the process on what is to come. Privately, Morant still does not have a wish list of teams he’d like to play with.
As the draft lottery approaches, the league remains on high alert. Whether Morant ends up in the purple and orange of Phoenix or the “Beam” culture of Sacramento, the next few months will redefine the trajectory of one of the NBA’s most electric talents.
