Despite weeks of speculation linking the New Orleans Pelicans to Ja Morant, new reporting indicates the franchise has no intention of making a move for the Memphis Grizzlies star. Instead, New Orleans is committed to the player it already views as its long-term answer at point guard: Jeremiah Fears.
The message from the organization appears clear. “They drafted Jeremiah Fears this time last year to be their point guard of the future,” reported ClutchPoints. “Thus, they are not plotting any sort of run at Morant.”
The update effectively shuts down one of the more popular rumors surrounding Morant's future, which has only intensified since tensions inside the Grizzlies organization became public during the 2025-26 season. While several teams have been floated as possible landing spots for the two-time All-Star, New Orleans has reportedly never been among the serious contenders.
Instead, the Pelicans remain focused on their own rebuild. League sources say the franchise is receiving calls about Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, though the asking price for either wing is reportedly multiple first-round picks.
New Orleans is also attempting to add draft capital ahead of the NBA Draft, hoping to move into the first round after entering the week with only the No. 58 overall selection.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of a turbulent season in Memphis. Morant's relationship with Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo became a league-wide talking point after a reported confrontation following an NBA Cup loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Iisalo challenged Morant's effort and leadership, while Morant pushed back against the team's rotation patterns. The disagreement reportedly carried over into the locker room and was followed by Morant serving a one-game suspension for conduct deemed detrimental to the team.
