Houston Rockets Pass on Ja Morant Trade Amid Fit and Financial Concerns
January 10, 2026
Houston sits sixth in the Western Conference after an aggressive offseason that brought Kevin Durant, and veteran guard Fred VanVleet is hopeful to return this season after ACL injury.
Memphis is actively exploring trade options for Morant, with multiple teams showing interest and likely seeking draft picks and young players in return.
Morant is tied to a two-year extension worth $42.2 million for 2026-27 and $44.9 million for 2027-28, with no no-trade clause in his deal.
Houston Rockets have opted not to pursue a trade for Morant, citing fit concerns and unwillingness to assume his contract or related variables.
Ja Morant, 26, a two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, is averaging 19.0 points, 7.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game this season, shooting 40.1% from the field, 20.8% from three and 90.0% from the free throw line.
For the 2025-26 campaign, Morant has appeared in 18 games with identical averages of 19.0 points and 7.6 assists, plus 3.2 rebounds, while earning $39.4 million under contract through the 2027-28 season.
Summary based on 2 sources
Get a daily email with more NBA stories
Sources

Hoops Wire • Jan 10, 2026
Rockets likely to keep out of Ja Morant sweepstakes
Dallas Hoops Journal • Jan 10, 2026
Houston Rockets Won’t Trade For Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant