Houston Rockets Pass on Ja Morant Trade Amid Fit and Financial Concerns

January 10, 2026
Houston Rockets Pass on Ja Morant Trade Amid Fit and Financial Concerns
  • 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

Rockets likely to keep out of Ja Morant sweepstakes

Houston Rockets Won’t Trade For Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant

More Stories