The Memphis Grizzlies seem sure to move Ja Morant this summer. Here's a prediction about who's likely to acquire him.
Ja Morant was the subject of endless trade rumors ahead of this year's deadline. Don't expect those rumors to die down this summer.
If anything, they'll intensify. It looks increasingly likely that the Grizzlies are preparing for life after Morant — and the smart money suggests Memphis held onto him because it couldn't find a suitor willing to meet its asking price. Here's an uncomfortable question: why would that change this summer?
Morant addressed his future publicly for the first time since his name surfaced in trade discussions, speaking ahead of a home game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Asked directly whether he could be happy in Memphis as the organization shifts toward a younger roster, he pushed back.
"Why can't I be? I've been happy this whole time," Morant said.
He acknowledged the uncertainty without pretending to have answers. "I hope so," he added. "You would know more than me. The internet is right there. Everything you're asking me has been on the internet."
That candor reflects just how unsettled this situation remains. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane are gone. General manager Zach Kleiman has publicly framed the rebuild around Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells. Morant, who has two years left on his contract and hasn't played since Jan. 21 due to a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists across 20 appearances this season. He's been re-evaluated in two weeks as he continues rehab.
Grizzlies may struggle to get a quality return for Morant
That's not to say the Grizzlies won't find a taker. Someone will want to roll the dice on Morant. Despite his limitations, this is a player who averaged 27.4 points and 6.7 assists per game just four seasons ago, and he's still in his athletic prime.
But those limitations matter. Morant is a short, non-shooting guard who needs the ball to be effective. Any team acquiring him has to be willing to build its attack around him. With that in mind, here's a look at the three most heavily rumored destinations and which one makes the most sense.
Miami Heat
If the Heat acquired Morant, they'd be betting on their culture to fix his off-court issues. Maybe it works. But it won't change his profile as a ball-dominant guard who can't stretch the floor.
There's still a case for it. Bam Adebayo has expanded his game to include three-point shooting this season, and his dribble hand-off instincts could be a natural fit for getting Morant downhill. Miami understands how to build complementary rosters around stars.
The wrinkle: if the Heat emerge as serious players in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, Morant becomes entirely irrelevant to their plans. Put them in the maybe pile.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The idea of pairing Morant with Anthony Edwards is appealing on paper. Edwards can thrive off the ball, and the two would form one of the most explosive backcourts in the league on paper.
The problem is the trade math. Rudy Gobert's contract could work financially, but Minnesota would be gutting its defensive anchor and has limited draft capital to attach. Jaden McDaniels isn't going anywhere. There's no realistic framework here that benefits both sides. It isn't happening.
Sacramento Kings
This feels like the most likely landing spot, even if it's a debatable one.
Sacramento has been treading water for years. A conventional rebuild through the draft isn't always the right move for a small-market team that needs to keep fans engaged. Morant would do that. The Kings could package a couple of bad contracts and an unprotected first-rounder and get a deal done in a way that makes sense for both sides. Memphis moves on. Sacramento gets a star to build around.
Prediction: Sacramento Kings.