A Ja Morant trade would most likely send him to Minnesota, Grizzlies Roundtable Podcast hosts said, while backing Darryn Peterson at No. 3 in the draft.
If the Utah Jazz choose Cameron Boozer as their second overall pick, then the Memphis Grizzlies should pick Darryn Peterson with the third pick. Additionally, James Piercey and Zackery Rogers mentioned on the latest Grizzlies Roundtable Podcast that Ja Morant will probably move to Minnesota if Memphis trades him.
The hosts discussed the franchise's future in Memphis, where the Grizzlies are reportedly close to securing a lease extension of over 20 years at FedExForum, surpassing the current deal, which runs through 2029.
In the discussion, the hosts mentioned Bill Simmons' report that Danny Ainge and the Jazz could select Boozer at No. 2, which would leave Memphis deciding between Peterson and Caleb Wilson at No. 3.
Rogers stated he would select Peterson, describing him as an "elite shot-maker" with solid defense and great potential, despite some concerns about his decision-making. He highlighted Peterson's high potential, deeming him too important to overlook.
Piercey regards Boozer as the top prospect and approaches Peterson with caution, but feels Memphis should focus on the potential upside.
"At No. 3, Memphis needs to aim for star potential," he said.
Both hosts observed that choosing Boozer fits with Ainge's track record, despite Utah's frontcourt already including Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Jaren Jackson Jr., who was obtained from Memphis in February.
"If Ainge genuinely thinks Boozer is the best prospect, he shouldn't be concerned about how he fits on the roster," Piercey remarked.
With Memphis holding a second first-round pick at No. 16 from Phoenix, it should focus on selecting a versatile forward and prioritize the best available player, such as Joshua Jefferson or Morez Johnson Jr. The team highlighted their guard depth, including Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., Javon Small, and Walter Clayton Jr., as a reason to concentrate on strengthening the frontcourt.
"I'm a huge Scotty Pippen Jr. believer," Rogers said.
The hosts spent the back half on Morant, whom they tied most strongly to the Minnesota Timberwolves among reported suitors that also include Sacramento and Miami. Rogers said pairing Morant with Anthony Edwards would give Minnesota a second star. "I think it's a destination Ja would actually embrace," he said. Piercey agreed, building a Morant-Edwards backcourt around their athleticism and fit. "Ja is the playmaker. Ant is the scorer," he said, adding that Naz Reid's shooting would open the floor.
Piercey was cooler on Miami, saying the Heat view Morant as a fallback. "My feeling is that the Heat view Morant as Plan B," he said. "Plan A is Giannis Antetokounmpo."
Both hosts said Morant's availability, not his talent, is the central question. "The talent has never been the issue. The issue is availability," Piercey said, adding that Morant has to avoid further suspensions. Rogers said the right situation could help him reset.
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