Ja Morant Trade Market Reportedly Has NBA Players in Disbelief amid Deadline Rumors

Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant remains one of the top players available ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, but the team hasn't been able to gain much traction on a potential deal for him.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed on Thursday's episode of Get Up that the lack of trade interest in Morant from around the league has generated some confusion among other players.

"Keeping in mind what Anthony Davis went for, now I want to look at Ja Morant, the other sort of star player who is on the market. And frankly, there just hasn't been a market for him," Windhorst said. "When I talk to NBA players about this, they cannot believe it. They cannot believe that nobody wants Ja Morant because the guy is such an incredible talent."

Morant was once viewed as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, but he has lost his luster in recent years for various reasons. The 26-year-old has played in less than 55 games in each of the last two seasons due to injuries. This year, he's been limited to just 20 games while averaging 19.5 points, his lowest scoring mark since his second year in the NBA.

In addition to his struggles on the court, Morant also raised some eyebrows earlier this year for his visible friction with Memphis' coaching staff and first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo, which resulted in a one-game suspension due to conduct detrimental to the team.

Windhorst went on to explain that in addition to his off-court concerns, Morant's contract also makes him a less attractive trade candidate. He has two guaranteed years remaining on his deal after this season, both at over $40 million, per Spotrac.

"The issue is not just the baggage, it is the contract," Windhorst said. "I think if he had one year left on his contract, teams would take this risk and buy low; because it's two years, they just haven't gotten a deal."

Windhorst revealed one potential landing spot for Morant, but he predicted that the more likely scenario is that the two-time All-Star isn't moved before Thursday's deadline.

"If there's going to be a team that does it today, I would watch the Sacramento Kings," he said. "They can dump some salary in this type of deal, but I think Ja is going to stay put."