Since the Grizzlies announced that Ja Morant is on the market, the Sacramento Kings have been tied to the embattled point guard. It's been recently reported that Ja isn't even interested in signing with the Kings, making it even less likely that Sacramento will put any real effort into pursuing him.
Ja Morant has been a member of the Memphis Grizzlies since the team drafted him second in 2019. It's completely understandable why they did. His high-octane style of play brings a monster amount of energy to the court, not to mention elite scoring from virtually every angle.
Unfortunately, that comes at a price. Morant doesn't really play much defense, and he doesn't seem to care too much for setting plays that don't call his own number. On top of that, his breakneck pace on court makes him incredibly injury prone. He's good when he's healthy, but he's rarely healthy.
On top of that, Morant has dealt with a litany of personal issues that have led to suspensions from the league as well as strife with his own front office, coaching staff, and teammates. For all of these reasons, the Kings have largely given up on trying to bring the young point guard to Sacramento.
Ja Morant ends all rumors about a Sacramento trade
If anyone thinks this possibility still exists, please feel free to let that go. It's being reported that Morant has absolutely no interest in playing in Sacramento, meaning that he is incredibly unlikely to sign an extension when his current contract is up in 2028 if he ends up on the Kings.
This definitely won't work for the Kings' long-term rebuild strategy. The front office is looking for players they can build around over the next three to five years. If Morant had no interest in staying past two, he's simply not the right fit. The Kings need someone who's in it for the long haul.
Sacramento needs a young point guard who is a team player on and off the court, someone who can help lead this franchise. Morant has proven that's not him. He's undisciplined, arrogant, and puts himself ahead of his team at every opportunity. Trading for him would be a step backwards.
Scott Perry is trying to move away from overpriced players who don't fit the future of the franchise, and that is exactly who and what Ja Morant is. The Kings would be better served by staying patient, and working towards making the right deals rather than jumping on the first superstar available.