While Sacramento has been one of the teams linked to Ja Morant, the Grizzlies guard and his camp don’t have interest in a trade to the Kings, according to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, who reports (via Twitter) that Morant’s other rumored suitors – the Heat and Timberwolves – would rank much higher on his wish list.
The Kings essentially reciprocate Morant’s tepid interest, says Sam Amick of The Athletic. As Amick explains, Sacramento hasn’t ruled out the possibility of acquiring Morant, but would want Memphis to add draft capital as an incentive to take on his maximum-salary contract, which runs through 2027/28. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are looking to acquire a draft pick or two in a Morant deal, even if it means taking on some unwanted salary.
The Kings also have potential fit and chemistry concerns about Morant, Amick adds, noting that a deal between the two teams appears unlikely.
While that could just leave Miami and Minnesota in the running for Morant, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Twitter link) says he’s been advised not to rule out the Bucks. All three of those teams may need resolution on the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation before they can realistically make a play for the Grizzlies guard.
We have more trade rumors from around the NBA:
- Nets guard Cam Thomas wasn’t with the team for its flight to Orlando today and is listed as out for Thursday’s game due to personal reasons, tweets Fischer. Thomas holds a de facto no-trade clause after signing his qualifying offer as a restricted free agent in 2025, but has long been considered a trade candidate and is drawing interest from the Cavaliers and Bucks, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).
- The Hawks have maintained interest in Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Twitter links), who reports that Dallas has been seeking a first-round pick for Gafford and Atlanta has only been willing to give up second-round capital. Stein’s report came in just before word broke that the Hawks had agreed to acquire Jock Landale from Utah — adding a minimum-salary big man on an expiring deal wouldn’t preclude a trade for Gafford, who is under contract for three more seasons after this one, but it may reduce Atlanta’s need for immediate help in its frontcourt.
- The Raptors were engaged in trade talks with the Mavericks about Anthony Davis before Dallas agreed to send him to Washington, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, who says Toronto also spoke to the Grizzlies about Jaren Jackson Jr. prior to the trade that sent the big man to Utah. The Raptors, who are on the lookout for a frontcourt upgrade, have also discussed Domantas Sabonis but reportedly reached an impasse in their negotiations with Sacramento.
We don’t want Morant !! He spends more time on the DL than he does on the floor !! We don’t need that !!
Trade
Kings want Morant, but demand two first round picks from Grizzlies to take on his maximum-salary contract
Grizzlies demand 2 first round picks from Kings because Morant is a star.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
The Grizzlies aren’t requiring FRPs in a deal. It is more like the Kings want a FRP to take on Ja and the Grizzlies want some SRPs for taking on bad money for Ja.
*WAS a star. Now he’s just a talented player with baggage.
In any case, doubt he’ll go to the Kings anyway.
The Raptors have been hella lowballing for a center. The Mavs want a FRP for Gafford and the Raptors just want to throw bad contracts and SRPs to teams instead.
gafford would be perfect for the warriors but their man crush on Giannis will keep them from obtaining gafford.
As someone who enjoys watching Jordi develop bright young talent, such as Saraf and wolf, I would love to see Cam Thomas moved. The way he plays basketball makes me wanna quit watching, and his body language makes me wanna give up on humankind.
Ben and Danny are team players who thrive on ball movement and cutting. I don’t mind Michael Porter Jr as much as Cam Thomas because at least MPJ doesn’t seem to be toxic, doesn’t stand on the 4 point line as much, and plays a bit more defense
I can’t imagine they keep him past this season. Your complaints are valid. Focus on what Jordi is doing, coach is incredible.
Forget Morant go for LaMelo Ball
Ball for Sabonis
White Kon Miller Bridges Sabonis
Mann Green James Williams Kalkbrenner
That’s a real solid team for the Hornets
Even the kings would be good going forward
Ball LaVine Hunter Murray Raynaud
Russ Monk Clifford Cardwell
Plus you’ve got a likely top 5 pick
I like that idea! What does Lavar think?
Also Demar! You left out Demar!
Well Sacramento is a lot closer to home for Melo and he would have unlimited reign to throw up shots and put up ridiculous stat lines. As do Demar think he should go to the Clippers