Grizzlies Evaluating Trade Options for Morant
The Grizzlies are reportedly looking for draft picks and young talent in exchange for Ja Morant, although they’re open to retaining him. Morant still has two years left on his contract, averaging around $43 million annually.
This season has been below par for Morant by his own standards. His scoring efficiency is notably low, at -7.4 rTS%, which indicates how his actual shooting measures up against the league average. His scoring rate has also dipped to 31.6 points per 100 possessions, the lowest mark since his rookie season, down from 35.5 points last year. When Morant is on the court, the Grizzlies are outscored by about nine points per 100 possessions, and they essentially have a -0.3 net rating when he’s off. One factor that might be affecting his trade value is his frequent absences due to suspensions and injuries; he’s already faced a suspension this year and had a public dispute with his coach.
At just 26 years old, any team that trades for him will have to hope that his health issues won’t continue to be a concern. Historically, he hasn’t excelled as a three-point shooter or a defensive player, so he relies on his ability to score at the rim and create opportunities for teammates. Despite his challenges, Morant should still have a market for trades. Let’s consider three teams that could be potential fits.
Making a straightforward trade with the Kings for Morant could be complicated unless Memphis is comfortable with the salary coming back. The Grizzlies might want to protect the final year of DeMar DeRozan’s deal, especially with just $10 million guaranteed attached to the Kings’ 2032 pick. Obtaining a future pick from Sacramento would be a smart move given the franchise’s long history of struggles in the Western Conference. Malik Monk could also be a valuable addition to the Grizzlies. Sacramento has been trying to fix their point guard situation, but recent signings haven’t panned out. Morant might inject some much-needed energy into a team that’s had a tough time gaining traction. Though Sacramento desperately needs a fresh start, parting with a future first-round pick might not be the right choice. On the bright side for Morant, he could still regain his superstar status, and bad situations often lead to trades with the Kings.
The Bulls, while historically significant, are facing their own set of challenges, lacking a clear direction in the playoffs. Acquiring Morant could shake things up for an organization cautious about large contracts, but if the deal avoids future draft assets, it could be beneficial. This could also allow Memphis to focus on Coby White before he hit the open market. Some might argue that White could currently be a better option than Morant. Any players the Grizzlies receive in this trade would help reset their financials due to their expiring contracts. Trading Morant makes sense for a franchise that’s been somewhat stagnant, but there’s a high chance it could backfire. Chicago has witnessed the early decline of exciting point guards before, and they may hesitate to risk it again with Morant.
To alleviate payroll, a multi-team trade might be necessary, with the Raptors showing interest in RJ Barrett and Grady Dick instead of Morant—though the finances are tricky there. Toronto hasn’t gotten the output they hoped from Immanuel Quickley, who is burdened with a hefty contract. A trade for Morant while moving Quickley to a bench role could be effective. Dick has his struggles, but he fits the young player profile Memphis is looking to develop. Barrett is enjoying his best season yet, so losing him would be tough for Toronto, but they might consider Morant a risk worth taking due to his upside.
While teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves were considered, the drawbacks of pairing a small, defensively challenged guard with stars in the lineup were too significant. Ultimately, unless Memphis finds a way to convince the Kings otherwise, Morant likely won’t command a first-round pick in trade discussions.
