As the Memphis Grizzlies shop Ja Morant this summer, his value as a "distressed asset" creates a unique opportunity. See why the Suns, Kings, and Heat might pull the trigger.
Desperation seldom drives good decisions. It's something NBA front offices would do well to remember. If they feel desperate, that's the worst time to pick up the phone and inquire about a trade. You might do something you'll live to regret.
The Memphis Grizzlies may be waiting for someone to make that mistake this summer. They're likely to aggressively shop Ja Morant on the trade market. To get anything substantial in return, they'll need to find a desperate suitor.
Here are three teams that may be feeling that desperation.
Phoenix Suns
What makes a team desperate?
Well, being in the NBA's middle class can contribute. You're not bad enough to receive high lottery picks (pending Adam Silver's changes to those rules) and not good enough to compete. If you don't have a collection of draft capital, you're stuck unless you make a desperation move.
Enter the Phoenix Suns.
They don't have picks. They're mediocre. What are the Suns going to do? Trading for Morant would at least give them a chance to reimagine their organization before they're handing out high draft picks to other teams around the league.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are not as light on draft capital as the Suns. They could rebuild properly if they wanted.
But somehow, it feels like this organization is always desperate.
The small-market Kings may feel they can't sustain a fan base's interest long enough to tank properly. They may be seeking an identity sooner rather than later. If so, Morant would provide it.
He could make a strong pick-and-roll partner for the young Maxime Raynaud. If his shooting improves, he can also space the floor for Morant. If Sacramento can package some combination of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan and modest draft capital for Morant, don't be surprised if that's what they end up doing.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat doesn't share the Kings' market problem. It's one of the most glamorous markets in the NBA. Yet, for some reason, it hasn't benefited them as much lately as it used to.
Meanwhile, they do somewhat have Phoenix's asset issue. Their draft capital isn't as light as the Suns', but without control of their own 2027 first-rounder, it's difficult for Miami to put together a compelling trade offer for a superstar.
If that superstar were Ja Morant, it could be a different story. With all the issues he's had over the years, he's a distressed asset.
That's why it would take a desperate team to trade for him.