With Ja Morant trade rumors rising, which Memphis Grizzlies are most/least likely to be traded?

Locked On Grizzlies - Daily Podcast On The Memphis Grizzlies29mJune 11, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

The Memphis Grizzlies are on the brink of a franchise-altering offseason, with Ja Morant's trade rumors reigniting despite the team's long-standing commitment to him. Joe Mullinax argues that while Morant's departure is nearly inevitable, it's not in either party's best interest—but the reality of the situation makes it unavoidable. Beyond Morant, Mullinax identifies Ty Jerome and Santi Aldama as the next most likely trade candidates due to their expiring contracts, scoring ability, and team-friendly salaries, which make them attractive to contenders rebuilding or contending. In contrast, Zach Eady and Cedric Howard are deemed the least likely to be traded, not because they're untouchable, but because their unique size, defensive potential, and developmental progress make them too valuable to part with unless offered a deal that would reshape the franchise. The episode culminates with a powerful assertion: the number three overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is the one true untouchable asset—because it represents the last, best chance to rebuild around a new superstar after Morant's departure.

Key Takeaways
1

Ja Morant is almost certainly leaving Memphis, and the Grizzlies should accept a trade package like the Sacramento Kings' proposed deal involving DeMar DeRozan and a protected first-round pick.

2

Ty Jerome is the most likely trade candidate after Morant due to his expiring contract, scoring ability, and value as a bench scorer for a contender.

3

Santi Aldama’s $17 million salary and versatile offensive game make him highly tradable, especially to teams needing a stretch big with spacing and shooting.

4

Zach Eady and Cedric Howard are the least likely to be traded despite injury concerns and developmental status, given their unique size and two-way potential.

5

The number three overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is the only true untouchable asset—trading it would be a franchise mistake unless the offer is generational.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
1:02
4 min

Ja Morant’s Trade Is Inevitable

It's not in Ja's best interest, and it's unlikely even with the number three overall pick that has the same combination of personality, explosiveness. The way that Ja commanded the conversation at his peak in Memphis, no disrespect to Cam Boozer.

Highlight
4:46
5 min

Top Trade Packages for Ja Morant

Give me that Sacramento trade 10 times out of 10. A trade that I'm not as high on that was mentioned in this piece is with the Chicago Bulls.

9:33
8 min

Ty Jerome and Santi Aldama: Next Most Likely to Be Traded

To me, outside of Morant, Ty Jerome is the next most likely guy to be traded. My final choice in this conversation is somebody that maybe you wouldn't expect and that's Santi Aldama.

Highlight
17:14
7 min

Zach Eady and Cedric Howard: Least Likely to Be Traded

I look at Zach Eady, and I look at Cedric Howard, and I see two guys that are likely starters on the championship caliber Grizzlies team that the organization is trying to build.

24:28
5 min

The Number Three Pick Is the Only Untouchable Asset

If there's one untouchable asset, one untouchable piece of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise at this moment, it is the number three overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
So to me, if there's one untouchable asset, one untouchable piece of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise at this moment, it is the number three overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Joe Mullinax29:28
So it's not in Ja's best interest, and it's unlikely even with the number three overall pick that has the same combination of personality, explosiveness. The way that Ja commanded the conversation at his peak in Memphis, no disrespect to Cam Boozer.
Joe Mullinax4:11
So give me that Sacramento trade 10 times out of 10. A trade that I'm not as high on that was mentioned in this piece is with the Chicago Bulls.
Joe Mullinax7:49
Speakers

Host

Joe Mullinax

Guest

DeMichael Cole
Topics Discussed
ja morant trade rumors95%memphis grizzlies trade candidates90%nba draft 202685%grizzlies rebuild strategy80%team-friendly contracts75%expiring contracts in nba70%ty jerome trade potential68%santi aldana trade value65%
People & Brands

memphis grizzlies

other

32xNeutral

joe mullinax

person

25xPositive

ja morant

person

18xNeutral

ty jerome

person

14xNeutral

santi aldana

person

12xNeutral

zach eady

person

8xNeutral

cedric howard

person

7xNeutral

cameron boozer

person

6xPositive

caleb wilson

person

5xNeutral

sacramento kings

other

5xNeutral

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