Does a Ja Morant for Zach LaVine swap make sense?

The idea of a Ja Morant trade has lingered for months, but a potential swap involving the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies is starting to feel less far-fetched.

During an appearance on Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, Locked On Grizzlies host Joe Mullinax discussed a hypothetical deal centered on Morant and Kings guard Zach LaVine, a scenario that reflects shifting realities for both franchises.

Sacramento’s situation starts with LaVine’s looming $49 million player option for the 2026–27 season. As George pointed out, “there’s not a guarantee that he’ll exercise that, but it’s a pretty high likelihood that he’ll end up taking that money.”

Once that decision is made, the Kings would regain flexibility to explore trade options, though finding a taker for that contract won’t be easy.

That’s where Memphis enters the picture.

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More on Ja Morant & Zach LaVine

“In terms of being able to absorb money in a straight-up swap,” George said, “Memphis giving Ja Morant to Sacramento, the Kings sending Zach LaVine to Memphis, why would the Grizzlies do it?”

The most logical answer: financial relief. LaVine’s deal would come off the books sooner than Morant’s contract (due to make $42 million next season and $44 million in 2027-28).

Still, the emotional and basketball implications complicate things.

Mullinax acknowledged that “a straight-up swap would piss off a lot of people in Memphis,” but added that the perception of Morant may be outdated.

“[Memphis] still sees Ja Morant through the lens of four years ago. That Ja hasn’t been here in three years.”

Morant remains a dynamic talent, but injuries and inconsistency have reshaped his value. He played just 20 games this past season, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists while recovering from a left elbow UCL sprain. Injuries, alongside a string of off-the-court incidents, have raised the question of whether it’s time for Memphis to move on.

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, LaVine has dealt with his own durability concerns, appearing in only 39 games. However, his efficiency–48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three–could appeal to a Grizzlies team looking to reset its roster timeline.

The trade landscape has also shifted since the deadline. Mullinax described the situation as a turn of the tables, noting that Sacramento had previously resisted taking on Morant without additional draft compensation.

Now, the leverage may be flipping.

Ultimately, Mullinax made it clear Memphis is open-minded: “I realistically am willing to take the best offer that becomes available.”

Whether that includes Sacramento remains to be seen, but the idea of a Ja Morant reset is no longer hypothetical. It’s a conversation both teams may soon need to take seriously as the offseason begins.

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Subscribe to The Matt George Podcast on Apple & Spotify. You can also watch all episodes of The Matt George Podcast on the Sactown Sports YouTube page & SactownSports.com.

You can also hear Matt on Sactown Sports alongside Kayla Anderson on The Matt & Kayla Show, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Kings can add their “North Star” anywhere in 2026 NBA Draft Lottery

• Would it require Keegan Murray to trade for RJ Barrett?

• NBA Draft Lessons: Lottery luck doesn’t guarantee success
• Zach LaVine’s $49M decision: Why opting out isn’t off the table

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Sunday, May 10th – NBA Draft Lottery
• Thursday, June 4th– NBA Finals begin
• Thursday, June 25th – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Friday, June 26th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

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