5 Relationship-Mending Moves Ja Morant’s Grizzlies Need to Consider Before the Trade Deadline

The tension between Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies it became impossible to ignore. When a franchise cornerstone and the organization built around him begin to struggle, the clock starts ticking on a potential break that could define both sides for years to come. However, this relationship is not irreparable, given Morant’s presence with the team in Europe. Zach Kleiman still has time to show seriousness about winning right now, not tomorrow or a year from now. That commitment requires more than words or half measures.

It requires a movement that changes the landscape before NBA trade deadline. Clemain doesn’t have to win every trade on the table. The organization needs to get its franchise player back. Morant is in the center of everything Grizzlies they’re trying to build, and every day that goes by without a bold move that restores credibility makes future divorce more likely. If they’re Grizzlies serious about saving Morant in uniform long term, five routes deserve immediate attention.

There is no purer basketball player besides Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Eddy than Lauri Markkanen. He spreads the floor like an elite wing, jumps like a true big and scores without needing the ball in his hands. In other words, Markkanen would maximize Morant instead of competing with him.

The price, however, would be astronomical. Utah didn’t build around Markkanen just to give him away, and any serious offer would require Memphis to part with Santi Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Clark and basically every future draft pick they can legally trade. It’s the definition of going all-in, betting that Markkanen will transform them from a good team to a champion.

It’s a huge gamble, but sometimes relationships call for grand gestures. Landing an All-Star caliber player would send an unmistakable message to Morant that the organization is willing to sacrifice long-term flexibility for immediate success.

If Markkanen’s bounty proves too rich, a high-ceiling, near-All-Star turn is the next best proof of intent. Not every move that saves a relationship needs to be a hit. Sometimes, the right player at the right price can show commitment just as effectively. Trey Murphy III serves as this significant consolation prize. The 25-year-old’s elite three-point shooting and defensive length make him a seamless, high fit in terms of talent and timeline factors.

Taking him down would signal to Morant that the front office isn’t just trying to win now but is building something sustainable. The asking price remains high, reportedly around three future first-round picks in either Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Santi Aldama, and potentially two promising young guards. Pick Jaylen Wells, Scottie Pippen Jr. or Cam Spencer in a three- or four-team deal. GG Jackson is probably gone too.

That’s a significant accomplishment for a player who didn’t make the All-Star team. Still, Murphy’s two-way potential and age make him worth the investment. Even if Morant wants to leave soon, Murphy III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Eddy, Jalen Wells and Cedric Coward are a great core.

Sometimes, fixing a relationship means addressing practical needs rather than chasing flash. With the Cleveland Cavaliers facing salary cap space in the coming years, letting go of Jarrett Allen’s contract could become a priority for financial flexibility. For the Grizzlies, this represents a low-risk mainstay for a proven big man who offers rim protection, rebounding and efficient inside scoring.

Allen provides insurance and reliability along with Zach Eddy and Jaren Jackson Jr. He defends the rim, rebounds at an elite level, and doesn’t require offense to stay engaged. That allows Ja Morant and Jackson Jr. to stay aggressive without worrying about what’s going on behind them. It might not attract headlines, but it would make the Grizzlies far more difficult in any playoff series.

Chemistry is important, especially when trying to repair broken relationships. Bringing in a respected veteran who knows how to navigate franchise politics and playoff pressure could provide benefits beyond the box. DeMar DeRozan has spent his career as a professional who makes teams better, not only through his mastery and play in the middle, but also through leadership and stability.

Every competitor needs someone who can get the bucket when the game breaks down. DeRozan remains one of the best in the league at that. It may not fit the timeline perfectly, but it fits the moment. For a Grizzlies team that often lags behind in its half-court offense late in games, DeRozan’s ability to shoot and draw fouls would be invaluable. More importantly, his presence would take the pressure off Morant to be perfect in every fourth quarter. That kind of support is important when you’re trying to convince a superstar that he doesn’t have to do everything alone.

At this stage in his career, DeRozan understands his role and would not demand the ball in ways that contradict Morant’s game. Instead, he would provide the steady arm and scoring punch that playoff teams need when their top stars face increased attention from defenses. Adding someone of DeRozan’s caliber and character would demonstrate to Morant that Memphis is serious about creating a winning culture and surrounding him with proven winners.

The final move is the most speculative. About the Brooklyn Nets Michael Porter Jr. it makes more sense, which is why the move was allegedly suggested by one of the front offices. However, the clock is ticking. Keeping the deadline is not an option; it would be an admission that the front office is content to play in purgatory and has no clear plan to build a contender around Ja Morant. Such inactivity would likely make Morant’s departure this summer a foregone conclusion.

Once heralded as a future star, Jaylen Green has found himself the odd man out with the Phoenix Suns. It also presents an exciting opportunity to buy low. Although inconsistent, his explosive athleticism and bursts are undeniable. In a new environment, with the gravity of playing Morant creating space, Green could finally unlock the potential that made him the top pick in the draft.

The move is a risk, but it’s the kind of creative, upside swing that shows a proactive search for untapped value to satisfy a superstar. Memphis does have assets though. Repairing the relationship with I Morant requires a thunderous commitment to shaky transactions. Before February 5th, the Grizzlies must choose to either build a candidate worthy of their star’s talent, or watch the era they dreamed of lead another superstar out the door.

Zach Kleiman’s moves, whatever they are, will define the franchise for the next decade.