Ja Morant has become the name to watch in NBA trade circles following reports that the Grizzlies were open to listening to offers for their star point guard.
In his latest article for The Stein Line (Substack link), Marc Stein notes that, due to their reported interest in trade targets like Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and Domantas Sabonis, there is a belief around the league that the Raptors may be facing internal win-now pressure, which could lead to them making a play for Morant.
Stein also states that, despite rumors that the Kings aren’t looking to making a move for the oft-injured point guard, he has heard rumors that Sacramento’s interest in Morant could be piqued if the Grizzlies would consider a return built around DeMar DeRozan, Devin Carter, and draft assets.
Carter was the 13th pick in the 2024 draft but has struggled to carve out a role with the Kings, averaging just 8.4 minutes this season.
Morant has played 18 games this season and is averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists on .401/.208/.900 shooting splits.
We have more from Stein’s latest newsletter:
- One of the lingering questions following the Wizards‘ trade for Young is whether Washington will extend its newly acquired guard. Stein, who notes that the Hawks’ refusal to extend Young was one of the impetuses that led to their separation, says there are rumblings that the four-time All-Star will ultimately land a two-year extension. With Young widely expected to see little to no action during the second half, Stein notes that the Wizards will likely to point to Toronto’s handling of Brandon Ingram last year as a precedent if the league takes issue with their new point guard sitting out. Ingram didn’t suit up for the Raptors last season, with the team citing an ankle injury.
- The Knicks have struggled to regain their footing after claiming the NBA Cup, winning just one of their last six games. While it’s unlikely that they’ll part with any of their core players, Stein writes that Guerschon Yabusele and second-year wing Pacome Dadiet are both available as New York attempts to tinker around their margins. Yabusele, after a breakout return to the NBA with the Sixers last season, has struggled to find a rhythm or role in coach Mike Brown‘s system, leading to him being in and out of the rotation. Dadiet, the 25th pick in the 2024 draft, has seemingly been overtaken in the rotation by youngsters like Mohamed Diawara and Kevin McCullar Jr., having played just 44 minutes in 14 games.
- While the Hawks‘ interest in Davis is well-documented, Stein writes that they also have some level of interest in another Mavericks big man: Daniel Gafford. Gafford offers less upside than Davis, but such a deal would help the Hawks keep Zaccharie Risacher out of trade talks. Stein adds that the Pacers and Celtics are also interested in pursuing the 27-year-old center.
- Spencer Dinwiddie is now eligible to sign with an NBA team after parting ways with Bayern Munich, but Stein reports that he could need some time to deal with the personal matters that led to his leaving the EuroLeague club.
- According to Stein, the Mavericks are holding off on waiving Dante Exum to open up a roster spot to promote Ryan Nembhard because they hope they can use Exum’s $3.3MM salary in a trade instead. Decisions on converting two-way players like Spencer Jones (Nuggets), Daniss Jenkins (Pistons), and Pat Spencer (Warriors) will likely all happen after the trade deadline for similar reasons, especially since those players won’t reach their active game limits until around that time.
Gafford is a good move for Hawks. And it would signal Mavs tanking for a pick. Which is probably best move for them now.
Yabusele has to go. Get what you can.
I like Looney and Bey on this Knicks team. Mitch can help get that done. Knicks have to trade this year, have to.
Gafford is a really nice big but he wouldn’t address our biggest frontcourt need, which is rebounding. Gafford is an average rebounder at best. I would much rather somebody like Brandon Clarke or Nick Richards or the guy that should be our current #1 target, Domas Sabonis. I would be willing to give up our 2029 1st, apromising young prospect (Mo Gueye) & $42M in exp contracts in KP & Kennard. I’m sure Sac would want Asa Newell instead of Gueye but we gotta keep Asa.
Rebounding? Towns is pulling in double digits – top three, Robinson is a beast on the offensive boards and Hart hits double digits occasionally but otherwise way above average.
Rebounding isn’t the issue. It’s just time learning a new system and consistency. They’re not used to rotating the way they do now and actually play with others on the team.
They are talking about Gafford to the Hawks…
Laat time I heard KAT was playing for another team…
Gafford is playing 20 mins and reb 6.4 a gm. Thats pretty good. He can start for Hawks. And makes life easier for KP. He can concentrate on shooting.
I meant this for you. Hit wrong button sorry.
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We never agreed on Okongwu. He’s playing well now. Gafford makes it easier for him too. Keeps him at the 4. Sabonis I like a lot.
You shouldn’t be in a rush to go get contracts lol. Gafford makes you better and deeper. At a cheaper price. You then have picks coming. Imo Gafford is the way to go. Don’t rush this. The lottery is deep next year. Great talent there.
Mitch/Pacome for Looney/Bey
Yabusele for Drummond
I’ve said this before
Gives us a whole new look off the bench
Knicks have looked at Bey. There are rumors they could go after him. I like him on the bench. I want Looney also. Cause he can help Towns on D. Looney is solid and a winner. Does all the dirty work lol.
Bey has always been a solid player since he played in Detroit. He would be great off the bench in NYK. Looney is a good addition, I don’t know if can be the same contributor than he was in GSW, but hopefully so.
I think the roster is pretty solid. Just continue to oil the engines, and this could be a great year.
Without Landry and Yabusele not working. It would be a solid addition. All we need from Looney is 18-20 mins. As a 4 that shouldn’t be a problem. He is only 29. He would be motivated for another run. Bey is consistent pts off the bench. Can even be a spot starter if needed. Towns and bench need it.
Gafford is playing 20 mins and reb 6.4 a gm. Thats pretty good. He can start for Hawks. And makes life easier for KP. He can concentrate on shooting.
We never agreed on Okongwu. He’s playing well now. Gafford makes it easier for him too. Keeps him at the 4. Sabonis I like a lot.
You shouldn’t be in a rush to go get contracts lol. Gafford makes you better and deeper. At a cheaper price. You then have picks coming. Imo Gafford is the way to go. Don’t rush this. The lottery is deep next year. Great talent there.
Uh oh, what’s Dinwiddie been up to in Europe?
If you bother to click the link it says “The 32-year-old was granted permission to travel to the United States prior to Christmas because a family member is dealing with a serious illness.”