As speculation continues to intensify about Ja Morant’s future with the Memphis Grizzlies, many around the league believe the Houston Rockets will be a serious contender for his services.
Things between Morant and his current team have gotten ugly in recent days. After telling reports to “Go ask the coaching staff ” about why he has put forth a lackluster effort in recent games, the deteriorating situation has created a league-wide narrative that the Grizz will soon be forced to come to terms with the idea of moving on from their most popular player.
Ja Morant stats: 20.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 7.1 SPG, 1.0 SPG, 14% 3PT
Despite the questions about the character of the two-time All-Star, a 26-year-old with superstar talent will intrigue many teams around the league. According to The Athletic’s NBA insider Sam Amick, two interested teams have already emerged: The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings.
However, there seems to be another team emerging in the potential chase for Morant: The Rockets. “It’s only natural that some rival executives have pinpointed Houston as a potential trade suitor for the 26-year-old,” NBA insider Marc Stein reports. “The Rockets, after all, have an acute need for a backcourt boost in the wake of Fred VanVleet’s season-ending knee tear in September.”
Rockets Salary Cap Issues Could Sink Ja Morant Trade
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Insiders for ESPN also suggest Houston “makes the most sense” in the Ja Morant trade chase for that reason. However, there is a major problem in any potential trade for the uber-talented guard.
“Because of their first apron issues (they are currently $1.2 million below the threshold), Houston would need to trade Fred VanVleet and a combination of Dorian Finney-Smith, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela to make a deal for Morant work. Taking on Morant’s max salary is prohibitive,” ESPN reports.
Ja Morant contract: Five years, $197.2 million
Furthermore, the Rockets aren’t expected to push for a trade anytime soon. “Word is that the Rockets are in a holding pattern of their own,” Stein revealed. “Houston’s preference is said to be waiting for a larger sample size before judging its VanVleet-less lineup options and seriously contemplating any significant roster changes in response.”
While VanVleet’s absence due to a season-ending injury was a big concern, they rank first in the NBA for offensive efficiency. However, they are also in the bottom ten in assist-to-turnover ratio.
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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