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Ja Morant Trade Rumors: Grizzlies Demand Steep Price from Bucks

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 16th 2026 at 15:48 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

Memphis, TN - January 16, 2026 - The NBA rumor mill is churning once again, with whispers of a potential blockbuster trade involving Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant and the Milwaukee Bucks dominating headlines. While the possibility of Morant joining Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks seems enticing for both teams, the Grizzlies are reportedly demanding a steep price, potentially hindering the deal's completion.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Grizzlies are actively considering trading Morant and have made it known to other teams, including the Bucks, that they are seeking a substantial return. This isn't a casual exploration; Memphis appears prepared to move on from their former franchise cornerstone.

The Context: Morant's Troubles and Memphis' Rebuild

This potential trade is inextricably linked to Morant's recent and significant off-court issues. Multiple suspensions stemming from incidents involving firearms have plagued the star guard, impacting his performance and tarnishing the Grizzlies' reputation. Coupled with a struggling team performance this season, the franchise seems to be acknowledging the need for a significant change in direction. Trading Morant, despite his undeniable talent, allows the Grizzlies to accelerate a full-scale rebuild, accumulating valuable assets to shape the future of the franchise.

Why Milwaukee is Interested: A Championship Ambition

The Milwaukee Bucks, perennial contenders in the Eastern Conference, are continuously seeking ways to bolster their championship aspirations. Morant's explosive athleticism, dynamic playmaking, and scoring ability make him an incredibly attractive target. Adding Morant would undoubtedly inject a new level of offensive firepower and dynamism into the Bucks' already potent roster, potentially creating a virtually unstoppable force.

Imagine Morant's drives to the basket combined with Antetokounmpo's dominance in the paint - a truly terrifying prospect for opposing defenses. The Bucks' already impressive offensive system could be elevated to a new height with Morant's unique skillset.

The Grizzlies' Demands: A King's Ransom for a Star

However, the dream scenario for the Bucks comes with a significant caveat: the cost. Wojnarowski reports that the Grizzlies aren't interested in settling for anything less than a package involving multiple first-round draft picks and established, contributing players. This isn't a quick salary dump; Memphis is seeking a complete overhaul, hoping to acquire a foundation for sustained success in the years to come.

While the specifics remain undisclosed, industry analysts speculate the Grizzlies would be targeting a combination of young talent - players with potential for growth - and players who can provide immediate impact and leadership.

Can the Bucks Afford It? A Delicate Balancing Act

The Bucks certainly possess the assets to potentially assemble such a package. They have a collection of draft picks accumulated through previous trades, and a roster featuring several players who could be of interest to Memphis. However, any deal would undoubtedly require significant sacrifice. The team would likely need to part with valuable contributors, potentially weakening their current championship contention window while simultaneously investing in the future.

The decision for the Bucks' front office will be a tightrope walk - balancing the immediate pursuit of a championship with the long-term health and stability of the franchise. Trading away key players and valuable draft capital carries considerable risk. They must carefully assess whether Morant's talent outweighs the potential drawbacks of dismantling a championship-caliber roster.

Looking Ahead: Speculation and Possibilities

The trade saga is far from over. Negotiations between the Grizzlies and Bucks are likely to be complex and protracted. While interest exists on both sides, the Grizzlies' high asking price remains the biggest hurdle. Other teams are also reportedly monitoring the situation, adding another layer of intrigue to the potential deal. It remains to be seen whether the Bucks are willing to meet Memphis' demands, and whether a Ja Morant-led Bucks team will ever become a reality.