ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Friday that the Grizzlies are entertaining trade offers for Ja Morant and will consider moving the two-time All-Star point guard prior to the February 5 deadline.
Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com hears from sources who say the 26-year-old still feels miffed about the team-issued one-game suspension he received at the beginning of the season. In the wake of that suspension, Morant told opposing players and some of his former coaches that he no longer wanted to play for Memphis, according to Wright.
Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal says Morant has not requested a trade (Twitter link), but the distinction might not matter much if the Grizzlies are open to dealing him anyway. For what it’s worth, Morant is present at Friday’s game vs. Oklahoma City, tweets Cole.
Here’s more on Morant:
- The ESPN.com story that includes the sourced notes from Wright is largely centered on trade ideas involving Morant, who is under contract through 2027/28. Insiders Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton pitch theoretical trades, and those proposals are evaluated by former front office executive Bobby Marks. A deal that sends Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji and Toronto’s top-14 protected 2026 first-round pick to Memphis and Morant to the Raptors is the most appealing trade for the Grizzlies, in Marks’ view.
- Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca (Twitter link) is skeptical that the Raptors would have much interest in Morant, however, pointing out that head coach Darko Rajakovic is close to Taylor Jenkins, who was fired by the Grizzlies toward the end of last season. Rajakovic was an assistant under Jenkins in Memphis for three seasons prior to landing Toronto’s head coaching job.
- In a subscriber-only story for The Memphis Commercial Appeal, Cole lists five potential landing spots for Morant, including the Timberwolves, Heat and Bucks.
- Morant missed his fourth straight game on Friday due to a right calf contusion. However, unlike the previous three games, when he was initially deemed questionable before being downgraded, he was immediately ruled out for Friday’s contest. Asked before the game whether Morant had experienced a setback, head coach Tuomas Iisalo said “no,” as Cole relays (via Twitter).
It’s never a good move to trade for knuckleheads hoping they aren’t going to continue being knuckleheads. Hard pass
They can get one used coach and a 2015 Chevy Blazer.
Sorry meant used couch
The Chevy has new floor mats, so it might be worth it.
Yeah, but the floor mats say “Chevy” on them.
Why would they trade Ja for a lesser point guard in IQ and a mid first round pick?
Memphis have Spencer, Pippen Jr, Vinny Williams and Ty Jerome. Quickly isn’t even a major upgrade on them.
For.matching salary and he’s no slouch. Would probably do better with more volume shooting.
He’d add depth to a position they don’t need and his contract is terrible. It would be a bad deal
Why? Because yoh get rid of Ja Morant without giving up picks yourself.
You are even getting one, which was not the case for Trae Young.
In my view no team should give up draft equity for Morant. And don’t see who should trade for him.
Bc its Ja 2026, not Ja from 2022, he’s lucky to even get a frp for him at this point.
I like Ja as a player. He should be a Grizz for a long time. (Oh and The Grizzlies name doesn’t belong in Memphis) no no no ……. I do like the name.
Ja is immature and new money hasn’t helped his development as a man. Probably the best thing for him to go some other place. And start anew. He has real talent. Don’t blow it kid …..
Toronto is a good place for him. That pick has to be unprotected. Has to be. Not going to be a lottery pick anyway.
I find it highly unlikely that they’re are any 17th century British Monarchy supporters in Cleveland, yet they still have the Cavaliers.
Sports names are localized. They just fit that city better. What does a Grizzly have to do with Memphis. And no the Lakers aren’t the same. No one cared about basketball then. Lakers made their bones in LA. Hornets did it right. City’s should own the names when teams leave.
@ Al…should own the Larry O’Brien won in said city too. Unless you’re called the Lakers of course, lol.
Never been to LA. They must have something sacred to city. A name is pride for city lol.
He meant they belong in Vancouver if I’m not mistaken.
Grizzlies are a big animal. Can reach 1500 lbs. i like the name and Bear……..
Cavaliers Uniform and Logo History | Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers were named through a 1970 newspaper contest, with winner Jerry Tomko suggesting “Cavaliers” to evoke “daring, fearless men” who never surrender, symbolizing bravery and honor for the new NBA team, winning out over names like Jays and Presidents.
My point is what does matter? Teams names are just that, they’re names. There are no Bengal Tigers in Cincinnati, there’s no lions in Detroit, barely any Bulls in the Chicago and certainly no living dinosaurs in Toronto. At least there are a lot bears in Tennessee, even if they aren’t Grizzlies.
In the 40s Cleveland had a team called the Rebels, when no one was rebelling.
You can have all the talent in the world but Ja has shown a lack of maturity and hasn’t grown up or learned from his consequence and discipline from his previous encounters. He is still doing the samething. So question? What makes you think he will be different? You think a different team or will change him? Were I’m standing as long as he is the man of the team he has shown no remorse or change in his behavior.
He has to grow up sometime. A new place, new surroundings help. New beginnings.
How he is still doing gun gestures. Dad arguing on the side. Getting into with players. Often hurt and not on the floor. A trade is going to change your character and who you are. I think not. Again it’s the problem with young players getting paid so much early. Jordan said this earlier this year. Not everyone is LeBron and can receive that much money and still want to dominate.
Look at Zion another only fans girl pregnant. Your off court affects on the court. It shows your more focused on woman than taking care of your body and focusing on the game. I hope these young brothers get it together but you got to build roots and take responsibility without blaming your team.
bulls should trade for ja & zion.
Maybe they could also get LaVine back. Then they would really be cooking with gas.
How would the Bulls send out $80 million?
Unless your comment was meant as this..,
“bulls should trade for ja & zion, lol !!”
Then, yes, ha ha.
Heat? Ja Morant can get to the rim like nobody else – except for SGA – but he needs to go someplace where he can learn a little about winning. Talent only gets you so far.
I’m not sure Florida is the right environment for someone that acts the way he does.
The player formerly known as Ja could do that. But Because of injuries, he’ll change his game with his new team because they want to keep him on the floor and thus they’ll make adjustments.
Then of course, a large part of his separation ability will be gone and with his poor shooting and decision-making, he’ll actually just be a guy out there.
This is the reason for the low return regarding this guy and it’s saying nothing about the off the court maintenance required.
This.