Overview
- Recent coverage on June 21–22 identifies the New Orleans Pelicans as the leading reported suitor for Morant, with multiple outlets saying talks have moved to the top of the league conversation.
- Those reports say any Memphis–New Orleans swap would likely begin with Dejounte Murray for salary matching because Morant is owed about $42.2 million this season and $44.8 million next season.
- Memphis has shifted toward a rebuild and is open to listening on Morant after earlier unsuccessful trade attempts and roster moves that included trading other core players.
- Morant’s trade value is constrained by his UCL elbow tear that ended his 2025–26 season, a pattern of missed games over recent seasons and prior disciplinary incidents that raised availability and reputation concerns.
- Other teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat remain possible destinations but the market is narrow because some previously mentioned suitors have declined interest and any deal will require complex salary and asset matching.