Ja Morant's tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies appears to be ending after a tumultuous season marked by injuries and off-court controversies. The 2022-23 NBA Most Improved Player played his final game for Memphis on January 21, 2026, against the Atlanta Hawks, where he delivered a spectacular chase-down block despite a 5-inch height disadvantage. The Grizzlies have since ruled him out for the remainder of the season with a left elbow UCL sprain.

Memphis management has shifted toward rebuilding, trading two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz for three future first-round picks just before the February trade deadline. This move follows the earlier trade of shooting guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, signaling a complete roster overhaul. General manager Zach Kleiman acknowledged attempts to trade Morant but stated, "This is about organizational direction now."

Once considered the face of the franchise after signing a five-year, $193 million contract extension in 2022, Morant's star has dimmed due to multiple incidents involving firearms, including an Instagram livestream from a Colorado strip club that resulted in an eight-game suspension. Combined with recurring injuries and declining performance metrics, the Grizzlies have decided to move on from the player who led them to 56 wins during the 2021-22 season.