Morant may join forces with Zion! A prominent reporter reveals that the Pelicans are in the lead position, likely to trade away Murray.

On June 21, Beijing time, per TA reporter Sam Amick, the Pelicans and Kings are the two franchises with the strongest interest in acquiring Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant. Amick further noted that the Pelicans probably hold the upper hand among all contenders, and Morant is expected to join his close friend Zion. Amick also verified that the Timberwolves are involved in the Morant trade pursuit as well.

It is reported that Morant has been unhappy in Memphis. Last season, he clashed with head coach Isalo and multiple members of the coaching staff. Bothered by elbow and calf injuries, he played only 20 games and was sidelined for the rest of the season after January 22.

Before the trade deadline in February this year, the Grizzlies had already tried to find a new home for Morant, but very few teams across the league showed interest at that time. On one hand, injuries and off-court conduct issues caused Morant to play only 79 games in total over the past three seasons. On the other hand, rival teams were reluctant to take on his hefty salary. Morant is owed $42.2 million next season, $44.5 million in the 2027–28 season, and will become an unrestricted free agent that summer when his contract ends.

Although Morant has hit a rough patch in recent years, he is only 26 years old. If he can regain the All-Star form he displayed in 2022 and 2023, he still has the potential to become a franchise-changing player. Having spent his first seven seasons entirely with the Grizzlies, a change of scenery might rekindle his competitive fire.

The Pelicans posted a dismal 26–56 record last season, changing head coaches twice during that period. The team intends to make significant roster changes. Several players on the squad are involved in trade rumors. If they acquire Morant, the team will likely part with starting point guard Dejounte Murray. Murray's salary is $32.8 million next season, with a $30.8 million player option for the 2027–28 season.

The Kings had originally planned to strengthen their point guard position through this year's draft. However, if the team decides to prioritize other positions or bring in a veteran to start and give their first-round pick time to develop, Morant becomes a backup option. This season, Russell Westbrook played a similar role for the Kings and performed well, and the front office believes Morant can fill the same role effectively.

The Timberwolves have been linked to Morant in trade rumors before, but they would need to send out a large amount of salary to make a deal work. For now, they might lean toward other targets. Additionally, the Heat and Bucks have also been reported as potential suitors in a trade for Morant.