Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant Named Phoenix Suns' Ambitious Offseason Trade Target

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been named the Phoenix Suns' ambitious offseason trade target by Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report. 

The Suns need a point guard and Morant played with Phoenix forward Dillon Brooks in Memphis. 

A "Big 3" of Morant, Brooks and Devin Booker looks dangerous on paper. 

In 20 games for Memphis this regular season, Morant averaged 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists per contest while shooting 41.0% from the field, 23.5% from beyond the arc and 89.7% from the free-throw line. That's the type of product the Suns need from their starting point guard to become a title contender.

The 2019-20 Rookie of the Year, Morant has led the Grizzlies to the second round of the playoffs just once. That was back in 2022 with Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. 

Morant has career averages of 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. He no longer fits Memphis' timeline since the franchise is rebuilding after trading Bane to the Orlando Magic last offseason and Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz at this year's trade deadline. 

According to ESPN, Morant has told people that he's done playing for the Grizzlies, who selected the guard with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Murray State.

A two-time All-Star, Morant still hasn't gotten over the Grizzlies' suspension of him earlier this season for conduct detrimental to the team.

"Morant still hasn't gotten over the suspension, multiple league sources said, because he felt alienated by teammates, who were told to leave the star guard alone so he could work through the issues that had led to the suspension. In the aftermath, Morant told players around the league and some of his former coaches that he isn't playing for Memphis anymore, sources said," ESPN wrote.

Since Morant doesn't have a no-trade clause, he can't control where the Grizzlies trade him. 

Morant will make $42.1 million next season and $44 million in the 2027-28 season, the final year of his contract.

The Grizzlies missed the playoffs this season, while the Suns got swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.

All signs point toward Memphis trading Morant this offseason. It will be fascinating to see if the Suns pursue a Morant trade to reunite the guard with Brooks. 

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