The Memphis Grizzlies have officially drawn a line in the sand regarding the future of disgruntled superstar Ja Morant, setting a massive asking price that has sent shockwaves through the league just weeks before the NBA trade deadline 2026. With the February 7 deadline fast approaching, league insiders report that Memphis is demanding a package centered on a future unprotected first-round pick and a high-upside young player—specifically targeting assets from the desperate Milwaukee Bucks. As reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Grizzlies have zeroed in on Milwaukee’s 2031 or 2032 first-round pick along with breakout guard Ryan Rollins, a leading candidate for Most Improved Player.

Grizzlies Set Steep Price: First-Rounder and Ryan Rollins

The sticker shock is real. Memphis, appearing ready to move on from the Morant era after repeated clashes between the star guard and head coach Tuomas Iisalo, is not looking for a traditional rebuild package of five or six picks. Instead, they want quality over quantity. The inclusion of Ryan Rollins is the sticking point; the 23-year-old guard has been a revelation for Milwaukee this season, averaging 16.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting nearly 40% from deep.

For Memphis, acquiring Rollins would provide an immediate, controllable replacement for Morant who fits their timeline without the off-court baggage that has plagued Morant’s last two seasons. However, sources close to the Bucks indicates hesitation. Rollins has been one of the few bright spots in a dismal 17-24 campaign, and moving him for a volatile star like Morant represents a massive gamble for GM Jon Horst.

Bucks Desperation: Saving the Giannis Era

The Milwaukee Bucks trade targets list has narrowed significantly as the team spirals out of playoff contention. Sitting at 11th in the Eastern Conference, the pressure to appease franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo has reached a fever pitch. Reports from ESPN indicate that rival teams are already preparing offers for Giannis this summer, believing his patience with Milwaukee’s mediocrity has run out.

This context makes the Morant gamble more plausible. A Giannis Antetokounmpo trade update isn't imminent, but it's the elephant in the room. Pairing the Greek Freak with Morant—arguably the most explosive rim attacker in the league when healthy—could be the "Hail Mary" move necessary to reignite Milwaukee's title window. To make the money work, the Bucks would likely need to include the contracts of Bobby Portis or Kyle Kuzma, leaving their frontcourt dangerously thin but potentially creating one of the league's most terrifying duos.

The Risk Factor

Trading for Morant is not without peril. He has appeared in fewer than 70 games over the last two seasons combined, battling injuries and suspensions. His shooting struggles (20.8% from three in the 2025-26 season) also raise fit questions next to Giannis. Yet, with Milwaukee’s offense stagnating, the front office may view Morant’s elite playmaking (7.6 assists per game) as the only available cure.

Miami Heat Rumors: The Preferred Destination?

While Milwaukee appears to be the most aggressive suitor, the Miami Heat remain the dark horse in these Ja Morant trade rumors. League whispers have long suggested that Miami is Morant’s preferred landing spot. However, the Heat’s front office, led by Pat Riley, has reportedly been "tepid" about gutting their roster for him.

Miami Heat rumors suggest the team is prioritizing financial flexibility for the 2027 offseason, where they hope to pursue free agents like Nikola Jokic or potentially Giannis himself. Taking on Morant’s $39.4 million salary (which escalates to nearly $45 million by 2027) would complicate those plans. Insiders suggest Miami would only bite if the price drops to a "clearance sale" level—perhaps offering a package centered around Tyler Herro or expiring contracts rather than their prized young assets like Kel'el Ware or Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Clock Ticking on Memphis Tenure

The situation in Memphis has become untenable. Reports of a locker room altercation in Berlin earlier this season and Morant’s visible frustration with Coach Iisalo’s rotation patterns have made a divorce inevitable. With the Memphis Grizzlies news cycle dominated by internal dysfunction, the front office is motivated to close a deal before the February 7 deadline. Whether they get their massive asking price from Milwaukee or are forced to accept a lower offer from Miami remains the biggest storyline in the NBA today.