In 2022, Ja Morant was the undisputed king of Memphis. At just 22 years old, he had signed a massive $193 million max contract, was an All-Star starter, and was widely regarded as the heir apparent to the NBA’s global throne. Fast forward to January 2026, and that crown has been replaced by a heavy cloud of uncertainty. The NBA has effectively confirmed what many feared: the relationship between Morant, the Grizzlies, and the league itself has reached a breaking point.

Reports are now circulating that the Memphis Grizzlies are officially listening to trade offers for Morant ahead of the February 6th deadline. For a player once considered “untouchable,” the shift from franchise savior to trade bait is one of the most jarring falls from grace in modern sports history.

A Cycle of Controversy

The downfall didn’t happen overnight; it was built “piece by piece” through a series of high-profile off-court incidents. The trouble began in the summer of 2022 with accusations of an assault during a pickup game, followed by a tense confrontation at a Memphis mall. However, it was the events of 2023 that truly derailed his trajectory.

On March 4, 2023, Morant went live on Instagram from a Denver-area strip club, flashing what appeared to be a firearm. The incident resulted in an eight-game suspension and a stern public warning from Commissioner Adam Silver. Just two months later, despite apologies and promises to change, Morant repeated the exact same mistake—flashing a gun during an Instagram live in a car. This time, the NBA responded with a hammer: a 25-game suspension to start the 2023-2024 season and a mandatory counseling program.

The Impact of “Image Control”

The NBA’s handling of Morant highlights a new era of the league—one defined by billion-dollar global brands and sponsor-friendly optics. While legends like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant faced their own controversies, the modern “entertainment empire” led by Adam Silver demands a level of conformity that Morant has struggled to meet.

“The league wants stars who pop… while keeping their image brand safe,” analysts note. Morant, who has famously stated he doesn’t want to be the “face of the NBA” and would rather be the “villain,” has found himself at odds with a system that prioritizes marketability alongside skill.

On-Court Decline: The Numbers Don’t Lie

While the off-court drama provided the spark, it is Morant’s recent on-court performance that has truly fueled the trade rumors. As of early 2026, Morant is averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists—solid for most, but a significant drop from his 27-point-per-night peak in previous seasons.

His shooting percentages have plummeted to career lows: 41% from the field and a staggering 26% from three-point range. Perhaps most damming is the net rating; according to recent data, the Grizzlies actually perform significantly better (a +6.2 net rating) when Morant is on the bench compared to when he is on the court. Combined with recurring knee and ankle issues that have limited him to just 28 games this season, the “unstopabble” guard now looks vulnerable.

The Trade Market: Who is Willing to Gamble?

With the February deadline looming, teams like Milwaukee, Toronto, and Sacramento are rumored to be in the mix. However, they are approaching Morant not as a franchise centerpiece, but as a high-risk gamble. The question for any potential suitor is simple: Can they provide the structure and discipline that Memphis seemingly couldn’t?

For the Grizzlies, moving on from Morant would be the final admission that the “Ja-era” has failed to deliver on its championship promise. Despite four playoff appearances and several viral highlights, Morant has only led the team to one series victory and has yet to reach a Conference Final.

Conclusion: A Test of Greatness

Ja Morant’s story is far from over, but he is currently standing at his most critical crossroads. “True greatness comes from how you handle the pressure, the fame, and the choices that come with it,” observers point out. Whether he can stage one of the biggest comebacks in league history or becomes a cautionary tale of “what could have been” remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the NBA has sent a clear message. Talent can get you to the top, but only discipline and character can keep you there. As the trade deadline approaches, the basketball world waits to see where the league’s most unpredictable star will land next—and if he can finally find the balance between his game and his image.