Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant
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Ja Morant returned to the lineup and didn’t shy away from accountability. His postgame comments revealed where Memphis still has work to do.
NBA fans are patiently waiting for the Ja Morant trade to unfold after it was reported that the Memphis Grizzlies were fielding offers for the former All-Star point guard. Morant is arguably the biggest name on the trade block once it became clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying with the Milwaukee Bucks at least past this year’s trade deadline.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have stood out as one of the best teams with motivation to add Morant since they are missing a point guard. However, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Minnesota may be more conservative with their trade package. The report indicated that the Timberwolves are not planning to give up their team depth for Morant or any other point guard on the market.
Minnesota had an inconsistent start to the season to warrant fans wanting to see more from them at the trade deadline. The lack of a starting point guard hurts them against certain teams, but recent improved play sees the stance shifting. Fischer claims the Timberwolves believe having their current depth is more important than losing that for a point guard.
Ja Morant’s Trade Value Is Low
One of the most interesting aspects of Memphis actively looking to move Morant is witnessing how far his trade value has fallen. Some reports claim that no teams are willing to offer a single unprotected draft pick to ruin the easiest path towards rebuilding. Morant’s terrible start to the season and personally clashing with coaching hurt his trade value quite much.
Trae Young was traded for a package that received zero draft picks, and he’s been more consistent than Morant the past few seasons. Minnesota could still hold some interest, but the report is more about how far they are willing to go for Ja or any other valued point guard on the market.
Recent history has seen the teams trading for star names suffering more than the teams that give up their top talent. Today’s market shows that opposing teams are more conservative than the NBA has dictated in recent memory. The Timberwolves would likely love to add Morant, but they won’t raise his trade value to do so.
Minnesota Might Regret Missing Ja Morant
The Timberwolves have a chance to contend for a title after making the Western Conference Finals two seasons in a row. However, the margin for error is so tough in the Western Conference today. One good week could move Minnesota into the second seed, but a bad week can have them fall to seventh place in the play-in race.
A point guard is hard to find without giving up strong talent, especially to match salaries. Coby White of the Chicago Bulls is considered a more realistic option for a cheaper price, but time will tell if Minnesota can even pull that deal off.
Morant could very well be a similar situation to many past disgruntled stars who returned to superstar form once traded. Minnesota should at least engage in realistic trade talks before deciding one way or another. Morant might be the missing piece to give them a real chance at an NBA Championship.