TITLE: Pelicans Unlikely to Chase Ja Morant; Timberwolves Generate $33.3 Million TPE; Mavericks Lean Toward Keeping No. 9 Pick
SLUG: pelicans-morant-timberwolves-exception-mavericks-draft
CONTENT:
The New Orleans Pelicans are not expected to pursue Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, despite recent speculation, according to reporting from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Pelicans
League sources told Stein and Fischer that New Orleans remains committed to Jeremiah Fears, selected No. 7 overall in last year’s draft, as its long-term point guard. The club also has veteran guard Dejounte Murray under contract, further reducing any urgency to acquire Morant.
Morant’s hefty salary, injury history and off-court concerns are viewed as additional deterrents. Meanwhile, opposing teams continue to call about forwards Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones; the Pelicans are reportedly seeking multiple first-round picks for either player.
Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves created significant cap flexibility by sending Julius Randle’s contract to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal, producing a $33.3 million traded-player exception. Stein and Fischer noted that Minnesota was intent on keeping center Naz Reid and was reluctant to move Rudy Gobert, who anchors the club’s interior defense.
With the added room, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly is expected to stay aggressive in reshaping the roster. Minnesota recently re-signed guard Ayo Dosunmu to a five-year contract reportedly worth $112 million.
Mavericks
Following the hiring of head coach Dusty May, the Dallas Mavericks are viewed as more likely to keep the No. 9 overall pick than to trade down, per Stein and Fischer. May plans to attend the upcoming draft in support of several former Michigan players—Aday Mara, Morez Johnson and Yaxel Lendeborg. It remains uncertain whether any of those prospects fit Dallas’ draft board. The decision could hinge on the availability of highly regarded forward Nate Ament when the Mavericks are on the clock.
The reports underscore how each franchise is positioning itself ahead of the NBA Draft and free-agency period.
Source: Hoops Wire
