Things are heading to a bad place when it comes to the relationship between the Memphis Grizzlies and top star Ja Morant. The two-time All-Star and the franchise have overcome serious issues in the past related to his love for firearms and confrontations off the court. But the current drama feels different.
During a frustrating loss late last week, Morant seemed to quiet quit on plays. When asked about his energy level by a Memphis reporter, he responded, “Go ask the coaching staff why.” It was one of several times where he suggested to the media that they ask the staff about why they lost, and he’s unhappiness. It has created a league-wide narrative that the Grizz may be more open than ever to moving on from their most popular player.
If Memphis is bold enough to trade Ja Morant soon, and chart a different course with head coach Tuomas Iisalo, here are six teams that could make a run at the two-time All-Star.
Miami Heat
miami heat
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
The Miami Heat are always linked to a star player that could be available in a trade, and that is unlikely to change when it comes to Morant. The team is off to a good start this year despite being without Tyler Herro and guard Terry Rozier. Norman Powell has been a great addition and makes Herro expendable. Moving him and a couple of their other young prospects, as well as some first-round picks, could get a deal done.
The trio of Powell, Morant, and Bam Adebayo, with Erik Spoelstra pulling the strings, could be a serious problem in the East.
Ja Morant stats: 20.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 16% 3PT
Charlotte Hornets
NBA: Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets
David Yeazell-Imagn Images
Despite real talent on the roster, the Charlotte Hornets look like they are headed to being a lottery team again. There have been rumblings over the last year that the team would be open to moving top star LaMelo Ball. The two teams swapping talented, expensive, and problematic young guards would make sense for both franchises and offer fresh starts for both Ball and Morant.
Chicago Bulls
chicago bulls
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bulls have been one of the big surprises over the first couple of weeks of the new season. However, no one is fooling themselves into thinking Chi-town is a title contender. But pairing him with Josh Giddey and Nikola Vucevic could make them an intriguing force in a week Eastern Conference this year. Sending Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and a couple of first-round picks could make a trade a reality.
Ja Morant contract: Five years, $197.2 million
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Brooklyn Nets are tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for the worst record in the NBA at 0-6. Their rebuild is not showing any signs of progress. It is time for a big change, and making Morant the face of a franchise is a pivot worth the risk. They have the assets to intrigue the Grizzlies and the cap space to add Morant’s contract without giving up much. The big question is whether the combo of Morant and Cam Thomas would work if Michael Porter Jr. is included in the trade?
Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Unsurprisingly, the Utah Jazz are again struggling to begin the new season. But similar to the Nets, they have the trade assets that would make them a favorite in a potential trade. If Danny Ainge could swing a deal, the combo of Morant and Lauri Markkanen is a very nice duo to be the building blocks of their rebuild.
Detroit Pistons
detriot pistons
Elaine Cromie, Detroit Free Press
The Detroit Pistons have come a long way over the last couple of years. They went from being one of the worst teams in the game to a talented young group on the rise. However, they still are one big piece away from being a serious threat in the East. Morant would be that piece to make them a dark horse to reach the conference finals in the spring.
A deal including Tobias Harris’ expiring contract, former first-round picks Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, as well as draft picks, might be enough to bring the two-time All-Star to Motown.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos