If the Chicago Bulls are willing to pay a potentially hefty price, there's a realistic possibility that they could acquire Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant before the 2026 NBA trade deadline. Morant and the Grizzlies are reportedly at odds, thus leading many to question if he'll be traded.
In the event that Memphis opts to explore the trade market, Chicago could potentially have an opportunity to build a new star duo with Morant and Josh Giddey—if it's willing to pay a steep price.
Morant was recently suspended one game by the Grizzlies after he publicly criticized the coaching staff. It was a shocking development that has unfortunately continued a chapter in his career that has been defined by injuries and suspensions.
When Morant is healthy and available to play, however, there aren't many point guards in the NBA capable of doing what he does.
Morant is already an All-NBA Second Team honoree with two All-Star Game appearances, a Most Improved Player award, and the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year hardware on his résumé. He's also helped Memphis make four postseason appearances, during which time he's averaged 26.0 points and 8.1 assists per game.
If the Grizzlies' Morant saga takes another turn for the worst, however, their partnership may end—and the Bulls will have a blockbuster trade to consider.
Ja Morant could be available to Bulls if Grizzlies continue to implode
The framework of a potential trade would have to center around the Bulls sending Coby White to the Grizzlies. Memphis would likely ask for more than White, as he's a productive but still somewhat unproven player as far as being a go-to star is concerned, but it's a fair entry point.
White is only 25 years of age and would be an interesting replacement for Morant after averaging 20.3 points and 4.5 assists on .473/.370/.902 shooting in 2024-25.
The reason this trade becomes quite difficult to project, if not downright chaotic, is that White will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Perhaps Memphis is willing to take that chance, but if they need further reassurances that White himself is unwilling to provide, hefty compensation could be required.
Thankfully, the Bulls are in an ideal position to step up with an offer that the Grizzlies may actually be willing to consider for Morant.
Coby White could give Bulls entry point to potential Ja Morant trade
Memphis would likely ask for at least one of Matas Buzelis, Ayo Dosunmu, or Tre Jones to sweeten the pot. All are 26 or younger with a proven history of being productive NBA players and the upside to develop into better versions of who they currently are.
That may be a steep asking price, particularly due to the fact that Buzelis is a productive scorer at just 21 years of age, but he'd likely be the Grizzlies' top priority.
Throw in Zach Collins' expiring $18.0 million contract and the Bulls would have a chance to get this deal toward the finish line. They also have a surplus of draft picks at their disposal to sweeten the pot, including two 2026 first-rounders and a first-round pick in every future draft to permit flexibility in their potential offer.
It's impossible to talk about giving up that type of compensation without serious trepidation, but this would be a blockbuster trade for a top-tier talent.
Acquiring an All-NBA point guard who arguably hasn't even entered their prime is a rare opportunity. For the Bulls, this would give them a chance to build their dynamic duo of the future with Giddey and Morant, and potentially take a step toward contending.
There's no easy way to acquire Morant, but even the wild path to landing an All-NBA player is worth considering before closing the book entirely.