Ja Morant Still Drawing Trade Interest as Grizzlies Hold Out for Major Return
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The Memphis Grizzlies remain receptive to offers for Ja Morant, even as the injured point guard is expected to miss at least three weeks with a sprained elbow, according to Marc Stein’s latest newsletter. Team officials are reportedly under pressure to secure a package that exceeds the favorable contracts Atlanta received for Trae Young, dampening hopes of a bargain deal for rival clubs.
If Morant stays beyond the February deadline, friction with general manager Zach Kleiman could arise. Sources cited by Stein point to the club’s public stance on Morant’s availability, the absence of an extension, and Kleiman’s earlier decision to back head coach Tuomas Iisola after a dispute with the guard. Morant has appeared in just 20 games this season, logging a career-low 28.5 minutes while matching his personal best with 8.1 assists per contest.
Deadline Notes Around the League
Keon Ellis is viewed as one of the most likely players to move before the buzzer. Sacramento has placed a first-round price tag on the defensive-minded guard, and several teams are monitoring his availability. Some league insiders consider an Ellis trade “almost certain,” Stein writes.
The Mavericks regard Naji Marshall as a key piece of their post-Luka Dončić blueprint, yet Dallas will listen if an offer begins with a first-round pick. Guard Max Christie is also part of the core, and the club is currently more interested in landing him a spot in the three-point contest than exploring trade scenarios.
Despite a calf injury that could sideline him for an extended period, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a hot topic. Multiple teams continue to engage the Bucks about a potential blockbuster before the deadline, Stein reports.
The Bulls are widely expected to deal one of their guards, with Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu topping the list of candidates. Center Nikola Vucevic is now projected to finish the season in Chicago and test free agency this summer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
