What Sam Amick is hearing is slowing down the Ja Morant trade

There has been speculation for weeks I MorantThe future sent rumors about the NBA. The trade story swirled from Miami to Minnesotaencouraged by Morant’s frustrations with Memphis Grizzlies‘ a new coaching staff and a suspension that added to the tensions in the early season. But according to NBA insider Sam Amick, the story being told outside the building doesn’t match what’s happening inside. And maybe it’s time to slow down the trading machine frenzy.

Amick reported that Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman has not shown “much, if any, interest” in moving Morant. This is despite the fact that rival executives are circling “like vultures”. More importantly, Amick noted something that contradicts the narrative that Morant is done with Memphis. Instead, he’s a fully engaged, communicative, supportive franchise player on the Grizzlies’ bench.

Despite being sidelined since mid-November with a calf strain and struggling to his lowest statistical output in years, Morant looked locked in. He hung out with his teammates, coached on the sideline, and even worked directly with head coach Tuomas Iisal on the whiteboard. It’s a striking contrast to the tension that marked his suspension and comments earlier in the season about losing the joy of playing in Memphis.

“That version of Morant was anything but checked out,” Amick noted, echoing the praise of teammates Jaren Jackson Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Both highlighted Morant’s growing vocal leadership.

The Grizzlies may have complicated any potential Ja Morant trade

The Grizzlies’ recent surge, five wins in six games, further complicates any attempt at a breakup. Memphis has moved back into the Western Conference playoff picture, buying time for Morant’s eventual return and reducing the urgency to explore drastic roster changes.

Yes, teams like the Timberwolves and Kings remain interested. Yes, Morant’s contract, health concerns and controversy make his market murky. But Memphis understands the stakes: If Morant rediscovers his All-Star form, he becomes the engine of their resurgence, not the centerpiece of a trade.

For now, the Grizzlies aren’t operating like a franchise about to trade its cornerstone. They act like they’re still committed to making it work.