The marriage between the Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant seems to be on ice. For two seasons in the early 2020s, Morant was one of the best point guards in the NBA, young, athletic, and mostly reliable. He led them to two straight playoff appearances.
Since 2023, he has had trouble staying on the court. Injuries and suspensions have piled up, and he was recently docked a game for conduct detrimental to the team.
As a result, he has quickly become the hottest name in NBA trade rumors. There is no doubt that he is immensely talented, although the Grizzlies may have asked too much. He has proven that he cannot lead a team as the first option, and it might be time for relocation.
As his name picks up some traction, two overlooked landing spots sound perfect for him.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 26: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors goes to the basket against Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on December 26, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies Linked to Toronto Raptors
Morant is only 26 years old. When healthy, he’s a near All-Star level talent. Since his first All-Star appearance in 2022, he has averaged 25.5 points and 7.4 assists, roeutlenly one of the most exciting players in the NBA.
Of course, his scoring efficiency needs work. However, he is not a bad defender and is an excellent ball-handler. His biggest problem, by far, is staying healthy and out of trouble.
Morant, given his recent injury history, would do best with an on-the-rise team that doesn’t have immediate expectations. As the Toronto Raptors struggle to get production from Immanuel Quickley, Morant could be an obvious upgrade.
“This team would love to have another guy who can create off the bounce,” said The Athletic’s Es Baraheni on the NBA Daily podcast of Toronto. “The other thought that I have: would the Grizzlies even remotely be interested in taking on Immanuel Quickley’s contract? That seems unlikely given the amount of years on it. But at the same time, Scotty Pippen Jr. is hurt.”
Quickley is owed $32.5 million per season for the next four years. If Memphis thinks he can bounce back, his salary would match Morant’s in a swap. The Raptors get more of a win-now player to bring out the best in their wings, and the Grizzlies can reset a little bit.
Morant Could Be Flipped to Portland Trail Blazers
In a similar vein, the Portland Trail Blazers have likely made their peace with Scoot Henderson serving as a backup point guard. Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday are in town, for now, but after that, Shaedon Sharpe will be left to his own devices.
Portland could build one of the better backcourts in the NBA.
“I’m looking at Portland,” suggested Zena Keita on the same episode. “You got Scoot on the bench. You’ve got two older players, Jrue Holiday and Dame Lillard, who he has to come back from injury. Imagine a Sheadon Sharpe and Ja Morant duo.”
With lob threats like Donovan Clingan and Hansen Yang developing, the Blazers are another obvious destination, and they have the means to make a deal.
Jerami Grant or Holiday could be flipped for Morant. Memphis could also take on a package of Robert Williams, Deni Avdija, and/or Matisse Thybulle, if the Trail Blazers want to hold onto a star.
Grizzlies to Have Trouble Shopping Ja Morant
As mentioned, the biggest problem with Morant is availability. It would seem that a veteran head coach is a must, and neither Portland nor Toronto has much experience.
On top of that, there’s no guarantee that Memphis is eager to shop a player when his trade value has never been lower. Three years ago, he would have landed the Grizzlies several picks. Now? He’s damaged goods.
“What is Ja Morant’s value right now in the marketplace?” asked Baraheni. “Like what team, what player, what franchise is looking at what Ja Morant has done over the last couple of years and says, ‘You know what? That’s our guy.’”
Talent isn’t everything in the NBA. Whoever trades for Morant will expect him to play a secondary or tertiary role for the first time in his career. For a player with well-documented ego problems, that could go over poorly.
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