Pelicans named Ja Morant trade suitor
The New Orleans Pelicans to have unexpectedly entered the mix in trade negotiations for I Morantaccording to HoopsHipe’s Michael Scott.
The Pelicans signed up Memphis Grizzlies let’s see how much it will cost to acquire a star guard before the February 5th trade deadline. According to Scott, the Pelicans are not looking to sell and instead “inquired about Memphis’ asking price for Morant in a potential buy-down scenario, league sources told HoopsHipe.”
Other teams showing interest include the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors. The Heat got the most buzz about a possible Morant trade, but nothing seems imminent. He is a disgruntled guard returning to the Grizzlies lineup against the Orlando Magic in London on Sunday.
Morant is 26 years old and making $39.4 million this season, with two years remaining on his five-year, $197 million contract. He will be eligible for an extension in the 2026 offseason.A former two-time All-Star who previously helped lead the Grizzlies to the second round of the 2022 playoffs against the Warriors, Morant has played just 77 of 204 games since the 2023-24 season.
When he was on the field, his efficiency was a problem. He’s shooting just 50.6 percent this season, which is among the worst for high-usage players. His 3-point shooting has also been poor, as he is shooting just 20.8 percent this season and 31.0 percent for his career.
As for the Pelicans, adding Morant could reunite him with former AAU teammate Zion Williamson, assuming he doesn’t trade himself. New Orleans isn’t willing to trade rookies Jeremy Fiers or Derrick Quinn, which is no surprise. Any deal would likely include players like Jordan Poole, Dejounte Murray or Sadiq Bey to make the salaries work. It’s a team not expected to move key players like Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones.
2026-01-18 17:17:00
