Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12). © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Key Points
The Memphis Grizzlies have had a disappointing start to the season as they currently sit ninth in the Western Conference standings with an 11-14 record.
Of course, the Grizzlies had high expectations entering the season as they were expected to be a threat in the West, though they have been unable to live up to expectations thus far.
Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
There have been multiple reasons for Memphis’ struggles this season, though injuries have been one of the key contributors as they have seen most of their roster miss at least one game this season.
This includes their star duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. and if the Grizzlies are unable to turn things around over the next month, they may look to make major changes ahead of the trade deadline.
Timberwolves Could Show Interest in Grizzlies’ Ja Morant
One player who continues to be in trade rumors is Morant, especially after he and head coach Tuomas Iisalo got into a heated exchange earlier in the season which caused the star guard to be suspended for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) — Source: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Because of this, along with his poor play this season and his injury history, Morant has found himself in the middle of trade rumors and many around the NBA believe he could be moved this season.
If that is the case, multiple teams could show interest in the superstar point guard, including the Minnesota Timberwolves as they have been linked to Morant this season with reports coming out that they are looking to acquire a new starting point guard.
Mock Trade Sends Ja Morant to Timberwolves for 3 Players
In a potential trade, the Grizzlies could send Morant to the Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Donte DiVincenzo and draft capital.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12). — Source: Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
While moving Morant may be a tough decision for the Grizzlies to make, swapping him for Reid, Conley and DiVincenzo could help them remain competitive this season while also adding draft capital for the future.
For Reid, he would provide the Grizzlies with a reliable big man who they could either start in the frontcourt alongside Jackson Jr. or bring off the bench, which he has done over the last handful of seasons in Minnesota, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2023-24 season.
Naz Reid
Naz Reid
This season, the 26-year-old big man is averaging 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 39.1% from three.
Reid is a reliable scorer and rebounder who would be a major boost to Memphis’ frontcourt rotation.
DiVincenzo would give the Grizzlies a reliable scorer in the backcourt who could start or come off the bench while Conley would reunite with his old team where he could be a key piece off the bench and in the locker room with his veteran presence.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) — Source: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
While this trade could work out well for the Grizzlies, they may want younger players in return in a potential trade for Morant if they decide to begin a rebuild and the Timberwolves may also be unwilling to give up this much for the young guard due to his injury history and off-court issues.
Either way, it would not be a surprise to see the Timberwolves try to deal for Morant with them looking for a new point guard as the backcourt pairing of him and Anthony Edwards could entice them.
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