Oct 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

There is growing tension brewing between the Memphis Grizzlies and two-time NBA All-Star guard Ja Morant. Eventually, the two sides need a resolution.

Morant said he is not playing with joy, has openly questioned his coaching staff, and has already faced a one-game suspension for his conduct. There are issues on the basketball court, too, not reaching the same levels of positive impact he once had at the peak of his powers.

Even though the Memphis front office is posturing that they have no plans to trade Morant and instead want to continue build a championship corse around him, the damage is potentially already done.

If the Grizzlies are going to turn their season around and if Morant is going to have any chance to find that joy once again, perhaps it is time for them to go their own ways and find a trade that makes sense for both parties. There are not a lot of obvious options, but a few rush to mind.

1. Sacramento Kings

Even though the Kings have a lot of depth in the backcourt, they are one of the teams that NBA insider Sam Amick mentioned as a potential destination. How would Morant actually fit alongside Russell Westbrook, Zach LaVine, Dennis Schröder, and Keon Ellis? That much is unclear, and while The Sacramento Bee reported that the Kings haven't began discussions with the Grizzlies yet, Sacramento is expected to "monitor" all situations with Morant.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves

According to Amick, another team to watch on the Morant front is the Timberwolves. From a basketball perspective, it makes all the sense in the world. The two guards at the front of the depth chart for Minnesota are a 38-year-old Mike Conley Jr. and a 20-year-old Rob Dillingham. One is a bit past his prime and the other is not quite ready for a full contribution in a potential playoff run. Morant and Anthony Edwards could, in theory, provide some wonderful highlights.

3. Miami Heat

During a recent episode of the Road Trippin' Show, former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins said there is only one team that could actually work for Morant and it was the Miami Heat. According to Perkins, the infrastructure with Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley would benefit the guard. Especially with Terry Rozier on indefinite leave and Tyler Herro injured, the Heat could use the help at floor general.

4. Phoenix Suns

The Suns are run by governor Mat Ishbia who is not afraid to swing for the fences, and while it has backfired in the past, maybe one more bite at the apple is exactly what the doctor ordered. Morant would make for an interesting pairing with Devin Booker and Phoenix does not have control over its own pick, so they're incentivized to win. While the coaching staff may want to see what they have with Jalen Green, perhaps they flip the former Rockets guard for a more traditional point guard under new head coach Jordan Ott.

5. New Orleans Pelicans

Another team that does not have control over its own pick next season is the Pelicans. They are losing at a rapid rate right now and, as such, are on pace to give one of their valuable first-round selections to the Atlanta Hawks. Maybe if they added Morant, they could add some wins to their total while pairing Morant with Zion Williamson. This would reunite the former AAU teammates selected at No. 1 and No. 2 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Ja Morant trade rumors: Who may want the disgruntled Grizzlies star?

Reporting by Bryan Kalbrosky, For The Win / For The Win

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect