Ja Morant
Getty
Ja Morant could be dealt before the trade deadline
The going rate on star guards isn’t what it used to be, as evidenced by the Atlanta Hawks’ meager return for All-Star guard Trae Young.
Soon, the Memphis Grizzlies could part ways with disgruntled star Ja Morant in a similar fashion.
Last Friday, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that the Grizzlies made Morant available in trade talks. The reported decision deeply disappointed Morant and his camp, according to a well-placed source close to the situation.
Shams Charania
Just in: For the first time, the Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining offers to potentially move two-time All-Star Ja Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, sources tell ESPN.
The 26-year-old, who has become a cultural icon and on-court favorite in Memphis, hasn’t asked for a trade, sources said, but will likely be dealt soon as the trade deadline looms.
“Live with it,” Morant candidly told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday of his reaction to reports of his potential departure.
Should the Grizzlies move on from the former Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player, the Chicago Bulls could offer Memphis an enticing trade package.
Zach Harper of The Athletic recently pitched a mock trade for Chicago to acquire Morant in exchange for the former No. 4 pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
Bulls Could Send a Nice Haul for Morant
Ja Morant
GettyGrizzlies are open to trading Ja Morant
Less than a week ago, the Hawks dealt Trae Young to the Wizards without fetching a first-round pick in return.
Due to Morant’s injury woes and character concerns — especially following his viral spat with teammate Vince Williams Jr. — the Grizzlies are unlikely to receive a premium offer for the high-flying guard.
Still, 26-year-old All-Stars don’t grow on trees, so Morant does possess some value, and Chicago could be a perfect fit for him.
Brett Usher
Ja Morant ROOKIE SEASON
In the daily newsletter, The Athletic’s Zach Harper proposed that the Bulls trade Coby White, Patrick Williams, Tre Jones and a protected 2027 first-round draft pick for Morant.
Trading two former lottery picks in White and Williams sounds steep, but for a player with Morant’s upside, it would be a worthwhile endeavor for the Bulls.
Chicago has been stuck in the play-in carousel (alongside the Hawks and Miami Heat) and need a star to lift them from mediocrity.
In Morant, they would acquire an electric guard capable of handling a heavy scoring load.
It’s Time for Chicago to Move on From Williams
Patrick Williams
GettyPatrick Williams has been unimpressive in Chicago
Plus, the hypothetical trade would allow Chicago to wash their hands clean of Williams, who has been a massive disappoint thus far.
Williams, a former Florida State product selected fourth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, entered the league as a 19-year-old raw prospect.
He didn’t have a refined offensive reportoire, lacked true size and was considered an average defender, at best.
Five years into his pro career, not much has changed.
Williams, 24, is averaging a career-low 6.5 points per game, coming off the bench after beginning his Bulls career as a starter.
He is virtually non-existent on the glass, scarcely makes defensive stops and his offense has not progressed beyond the occasional 10-point effort.
The former No. 4 pick has yet to evolve into the difference maker Chicago envisioned on draft day. Perhaps a change in scenery would benefit Williams and Morant.