But a Morant trade feels inevitable in the summer. The team has already signaled a rebuild around Zach Edey and Cedric Coward is on the way with the trades of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., and Morant would be the final nail in that coffin once he's moved. It's only a matter of time.

The silence surrounding Ja Morant at the NBA trade deadline was more telling than any blockbuster deal. With trade rumors circling him the entire season, most insiders believed the star guard would find a new home.

Trade deadline day can be brutal if you’re an NBA player. One minute, you’re dropping 30 points on Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves, the next, you could be on a private jet to Utah as part of a blockbuster trade.

The Grizzlies made their first major flash when they traded Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in an eight-player deal on Feb. 3. John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. also went to Utah. Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and Kyle Anderson were in the return package for Memphis.

News that the Grizzlies would be keeping Morant comes just two days after the team traded away Jaren Jackson Jr. in a stunning eight-player swap with the Utah Jazz. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year was sent to the Jazz, along with John Konchar, Vince Williams Jr. and Jock Landale.

In this NBA mock trade, the Miami Heat acquire Ja Morant as they push for a playoff spot.

The Memphis Grizzlies are eyeing trades for Ja Morant with the Miami Heat interested ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

SportsLine's model reveals its Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies NBA picks today

The Memphis Grizzlies forward has faced both physical and mental challenges during his rookie season. The NBA Rising Star has held it together with personal balance.