Trade Buzz Grows Around Ja Morant as Bill Simmons Floats Blockbuster Scenarios

The Memphis Grizzlies are once again at the center of NBA trade chatter — this time surrounding star guard Ja Morant. After serving a one-game suspension for a reported disagreement with the team’s coaching staff, questions have resurfaced about Morant’s long-term fit in Memphis and his willingness to embrace a leadership role. The situation has prompted analysts and fans alike to consider what a post-Morant future for the Grizzlies might look like.

Among the most notable ideas came from The Bill Simmons Podcast, where The Ringer’s Bill Simmons laid out multiple trade proposals involving the All-Star guard. His suggestions include a three-team deal featuring the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors, as well as a two-team swap between the Grizzlies and the Miami Heat.

In Simmons’ view, the time may be approaching for Memphis to move on from its once-promising franchise cornerstone. While no trade discussions have been reported between teams, the recent suspension has only added to speculation that the relationship between Morant and the organization is fraying.

The Grizzlies have endured a turbulent start to the season, and uncertainty around their star player has only magnified the need for stability. As the regular season unfolds, potential trade discussions involving Morant are expected to intensify.

1. A Three-Team Blockbuster: Raptors, Hawks, and Grizzlies

In Simmons’ proposed three-team scenario, the Grizzlies would part ways with Morant while acquiring Atlanta Hawks All-Star Trae Young in return. The Raptors, meanwhile, would receive Morant as part of their rebuilding efforts, and the Hawks would acquire Toronto’s starting point guard Immanuel Quickley, alongside additional assets. “It’s a three-teamer,” Simmons explained. “Memphis gets Trae Young. Toronto gets Ja Morant. Atlanta gets Quickley, [Jalen] Murray-Boyles, the number one pick they took, and a protected 2029 first-rounder. Memphis basically turns Morant into Trae, and Trae goes in there, the Memphis fans will love him immediately.” The move, on paper, would allow Memphis to maintain star power while exchanging one volatile yet elite guard for another. Young’s playmaking could complement Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., giving the Grizzlies a fresh offensive identity. Toronto, on the other hand, would be betting on Morant’s upside and hoping a change of scenery reignites his All-NBA potential. For Atlanta, however, the proposed trade is less straightforward. Losing Young — a two-time All-Star and franchise centerpiece — for a package centered on Quickley and future picks could signal a shift toward a longer-term rebuild. With Young currently recovering from an MCL injury, it’s unclear whether the Hawks would entertain such a move this early in the season.

2. An Alternate Path: Miami’s Risk, Memphis’ Reset

Simmons also floated a separate two-team trade scenario that would send Morant to the Miami Heat in exchange for guards Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier. The deal, which would also include Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) for salary balance, would offer the Grizzlies two established scorers on manageable contracts while giving Miami the chance to gamble on Morant’s superstar ceiling. “It’s Miami and Memphis,” Simmons said. “You send Ja to Miami, put KCP in the deal, Memphis takes back Herro and Rozier, and you call it a day. Miami takes on an extra year of KCP and rolls the dice that Ja can be turned into a superstar again.” For Memphis, such a move would prioritize short-term stability and veteran presence. Herro’s shooting and Rozier’s experience could help offset the offensive void left by Morant, while both players’ contracts give the team flexibility heading into future offseasons. From Miami’s perspective, the trade would represent a high-risk, high-reward gamble — the kind of bold move the franchise has become known for. Adding Morant alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo could form an explosive trio, assuming the 25-year-old guard rediscovers his focus and form. Yet, given Morant’s off-court challenges and injury history, the potential pitfalls are equally significant.

3. The Trade Rumor Mill Begins to Turn

While Simmons’ proposals are speculative, they underscore the growing uncertainty surrounding Morant’s future in Memphis. Once considered the face of the franchise and one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, Morant now finds himself at a crossroads. His suspension — and reports of internal friction — have reignited concerns about maturity, leadership, and accountability. For Memphis, the calculus is complex. Morant remains an elite talent capable of transforming games, but the organization must weigh that against the recurring off-court distractions that have plagued recent seasons. If the relationship continues to deteriorate, the Grizzlies could eventually explore trade options to reset around a new core. At the same time, several teams across the league — including Miami, Toronto, and possibly others — could see Morant as a buy-low opportunity to acquire a franchise-caliber guard. His ability to elevate a team when focused and healthy remains unquestioned. As trade rumors swirl and the Grizzlies look to stabilize their season, all eyes will remain on Morant’s next move — both on and off the court.