If you’re checking the box score tonight wondering what team does ja morant play for, the answer is still the Memphis Grizzlies. But man, that answer feels a lot more "for now" than it used to.
Honestly, if you haven’t tuned into the NBA for a few months, the vibe in Memphis is unrecognizable. Ja is still the face of the franchise technically, but the mask is slipping. As of January 2026, he’s still wearing jersey number 12 for the Grizz, though he hasn't actually been on the court much lately. He’s been dealing with a nagging right calf contusion that’s sidelined him for a chunk of the season.
Right now, the Grizzlies are in the middle of a weird European tour. They just played in Berlin, and they're headed to London for a rematch against the Orlando Magic on January 18. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo—who, by the way, is a new face for many—says there’s a "good chance" Ja returns for the London game.
But the jersey he’s wearing isn't the real story. The real story is that for the first time in his career, the Grizzlies are actually listening to trade offers.
The Memphis Marriage is Hitched
It’s wild to think about. A couple of years ago, Morant was "untouchable." You wouldn't even pick up the phone if someone called about him. Now? ESPN’s Shams Charania is reporting that the Grizzlies are "entertaining offers" ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
The team is sitting at 17-22. They're 10th in the West.
More importantly, they are 10-9 when Ja doesn't play and a dismal 6-12 when he does.
Those numbers are brutal. They suggest that the "Grit and Grind" 2.0 era might be fundamentally broken. It’s not just the record, though. There’s been a ton of friction. Earlier this season, Ja was suspended for a game for "conduct detrimental to the team" after a heated blowout with Coach Iisalo. When reporters asked Ja about the trade rumors in Berlin last week, he just gave a cold, three-word response: "Live with it."
Where Could Ja Morant Go?
Since we know what team does ja morant play for today, the more interesting question is where he’ll be in February. The trade market is heating up, and some heavy hitters are sniffing around.
- Miami Heat: This is the big one. Everyone knows Pat Riley loves a reclamation project with star power. People are already mocking up trades involving Tyler Herro and draft picks.
- Sacramento Kings: They’ve been linked to him as well, potentially looking for a spark to pair with their core, though the fit with De'Aaron Fox is... questionable at best.
- Milwaukee Bucks: There are even rumors about a wild swap involving Ryan Rollins and distant first-round picks.
The problem is his value. Ja is 26 now. He’s in the third year of a massive $197 million contract. But his shooting has cratered—he’s hitting a career-low 40% from the field and a painful 20.8% from three this season. Teams are scared of the injury history and the off-court baggage.
The Contract Situation
If a team trades for him, they aren't just getting a point guard; they're inheriting a financial mountain. He’s making roughly $39.4 million this season. He still has two full years left on his deal after this one.
| Season | Team | Salary (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Memphis Grizzlies | $39.4 Million |
| 2026-27 | TBD | $42.3 Million |
| 2027-28 | TBD | $45.1 Million |
Is He Still an Elite Player?
When he’s healthy? Yes. Absolutely. We saw flashes of it in late December when he dropped 40 points on the 76ers. The explosiveness is still there in bursts. He can still get to the rim whenever he wants.
But the consistency is gone. Between the calf injuries and the suspensions, he hasn't been able to find a rhythm. Plus, the Grizzlies' offense has looked more fluid with guys like Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr. getting more touches. It’s a classic "addition by subtraction" debate that’s tearing Memphis Twitter apart.
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What to Watch Next
If you're a fan or a bettor, the next few weeks are everything.
- The London Game: Watch if he actually plays on Sunday, Jan 18. If he looks slow or hesitant, his trade value drops further.
- The February 5 Deadline: This is the hard cutoff. If he’s not moved by then, he’s a Grizzly for the rest of the year, for better or worse.
- The Exit Interviews: Listen to how he talks after the London game. If it’s more "live with it" and short answers, the bags are already packed.
Basically, Ja Morant is a Memphis Grizzly on paper, but he’s a "Player of Interest" for the rest of the league. If you're looking to follow his progress, keep an eye on the injury reports for that right calf. If he sits out more games despite being "nearing a return," it might mean a trade is already in the end zone.
Actionable Insight: If you’re tracking Ja for fantasy or betting, wait for the London game stats before making any moves. His current shooting efficiency makes him a high-risk play until we see if he’s actually bought into Iisalo’s system or just waiting for a flight to Miami.