NBA Rumors: If the Grizzlies put Ja Morant on the trade block, three NBA teams should make a big move
After last season's injury-plagued letdown, the Memphis Grizzlies, who are currently 36-18 and in second place in the West, have emerged as a legitimate contender. Taylor Jenkins is still one of the greatest (and most underappreciated) basketball coaches, Jaren Jackson Jr. is having his best season to date, and Memphis made a major splash with both of its 2024 draft selections.
But of course, Ja Morant is the one who demands attention. He is a showman in every way. There aren't many more captivating players to watch. In the open court, the lean 6-foot-2 guard is a true beast. His speed, agility, and burst are rarely adequately addressed.
For Morant personally, the season has been difficult. He has struggled to return to the high levels he attained a few years ago and has had to cope with new injuries. Morant is more limited than in previous years, despite his respectable stats of 20.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists on.447/.321/.810 splits in 28.8 minutes. People are beginning to wonder what his future in Memphis holds as a result.
In a recent episode of The Ringer NBA Show, Howard Beck made a startling statement.
“I'm constantly checking in with executives around the trade deadline about like…who's the next wave of stars that are going to get dealt…and somebody out of the blue said, keep an eye on Ja Morant this summer.” - @HowardBeck via @ringernbahttps://t.co/bhl979MUyU pic.twitter.com/PN4bgEwzXf
— Dru (@dru_star) February 18, 2025
One of the most startling NBA trade deadlines in recent history will be the one in 2025. Nobody anticipated Luka Doncic's decision to go from Dallas to Los Angeles. Morant seems to have the potential to be the next top point guard to be traded. Memphis has all the power if the Grizzlies decide that Morant is not a viable part of their future. Morant, who is 25 years old and has a contract that expires in 2028, should still attract a strong trade market.
Here are some possible landing locations.
Orlando Magic
Morant has a problem because the Orlando Magic are last in threes. He requires a floor that is spaced out and an offensive tempo that is healthy. Orlando can, however, search elsewhere for gunfire. In order to lay the groundwork for Orlando's assortment of flexible wings, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner, the Magic also require a real point guard.
In terms of assists, Morant routinely finishes close to the top of the league. He is an excellent facilitator who uses his speed as a weapon to create passing angles and break down the defense. Morant has a natural talent for painting. With his unique combination of basketball IQ and agility, he creates cracks in the defense and lives inside the arc. Morant's ability to set the table and generate advantages would help Orlando.
Morant is more of a plus because Orlando already has a couple high-volume slashers in Banchero and Wagner. Whether it's a straightforward drive-and-kick to an open shooter or a more involved rush of ball movement to take advantage of a tilted defense, the Magic should be able to provide steady points off of all their rim pressure.
Something has to change for the Magic. This season is quickly coming to an end. Morant might provide this core with the extra push it needs to compete seriously in the East.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have undergone a sort of mini-rebuild this season, but no team with Trey Murphy, CJ McCollum, and Zion Williamson is going to be in the lottery for very long.
With Zion in particular, the Pels will be hoping for improved injury luck the next season. With an extensive rotation and an abundance of draft picks at his disposal, David Griffin has more than enough ammunition to make a trade for Morant.
This has the feel of a storybook. In the 2019 draft, Zion and Morant were selected first and second overall, respectively. There is a long-standing familiarity because they were teammates in high school.
Among the NBA's fiercest downhill scorers are Williamson and Morant. For an extended period, neither is kept out of the paint.
The Pelicans should try to trade Dejounte Murray and choices to Memphis, acquire more high-volume shooters elsewhere (Jordan Hawkins, Murphy, and McCollum are all very useful), and capitalize on the speed advantage that comes with Zion and Morant. Put two feet in the lane, go for a run, and enjoy the rewards.
This season, Murphy has been on his own star trajectory. It can still be filled by McCollum. Morant's lobs would be a treat for Yves Missi. This roster has the potential to quickly establish itself as a contender. New Orleans becomes a formidable opponent if Morant can return to his best with the Pelicans.
Miami Heat
Of course, a trade to the Miami Heat would help Morant, who is the ideal destination for stars in turmoil. It is Erik Spoelstra's black magic that seems to bring out the best in his players.
Following the Jimmy Butler deal, Miami has no plans to sit around doing nothing. Pat Riley will be watching for the next All-Star to become available. The Heat may finally acquire a franchise point guard in Morant, a few years after missing out on Damian Lillard.
One can question whether Tyler Herro and Morant are a good fit in the backcourt. This season, the latter has become an All-Star in his own right, improving his shot profile and becoming a legitimate pick-and-roll maker. Neither Herro nor Morant provide much length or positional versatility, making them both poor defenders. However, in order to gain from Morant's offense, the Heat are willing to accept a few defensive loses.
Any system gains instant dynamism from Morant. At will, he reaches the rim. In the frontcourt, he will provide Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware easier looks. He will relieve Herro's workload and create a lot of open 3-pointers for players like Haywood Highsmith and Andrew Wiggins. Although there are legitimate defensive concerns, Spo is the coach who can solve them. He is more adept than others in manipulating matches and making up for shortcomings.
It's difficult to say no to a fundamental All-Star who is in the middle of his peak and has a few more years left on his deal.
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