After being a top two or three seed for most of the 2024-25 Season, the Memphis Grizzlies fell to eighth and were swept in the first round of the playoffs. Of course, the Grizzlies are hoping that next season can be one where they return to true contention in the Western Conference and become a real threat to go deep in the postseason once again. But as the offseason goes on, one uncomfortable question seems to be growing louder: What if Ja Morant asks for a trade?
It's obviously not something fans in Memphis would like to think about. But the fact of the matter is, the West is deeper than ever. There's going to be reasonably 14 other teams in the Western Conference with the Grizzlies that are going to be vying for a playoff spot next season. It's not ridiculous to think that Memphis could find themselves fighting for a play-in spot again in 10 months.
If you put yourselves in the shoes of Morant, it's understandable why that's not exactly the position you like to be in at this stage of your career. On the other hand, if you look across the way to the Eastern Conference, things don't seem nearly as tumultuous and challenging as they do in the West.
In the East, there's really probably just two or three teams maximum that could really win a championship. If Morant wanted a trade to an Eastern Conference team, it could be a smart move for him as it could make a deeper playoff run more viable.
Morant could ask for a trade to the Eastern Conference
Overall, there's not been any real concrete evidence to suggest that Ja Morant is unhappy in Memphis. But with that being said, what we've seen recently in this league has reminded us of just how quickly speculation can become reality.
Morant has sat by and watched his competition achieve more than him from a team perspective over these last few years. It can be easy to forget that the Grizzlies have only won one playoff series since Ja was drafted back in 2019.
In the meantime, Morant's peers like Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have all at least reached the Conference Finals with their respective teams. It has to be hard watching your competition reach the heights you think you should be at.
There's no question that the Grizzlies have built a strong roster around Ja Morant, but outside factors like injuries have consistently thrown them for a loop. It wouldn't be crazy to think that number 12 could seek out a new opportunity and a change of scenery. It's absolutely a scary thought for Memphis Grizzlies fans, but the possibility can't be disregarded.