The Memphis Grizzlies are finding few viable suitors for a potential Ja Morant trade as the Feb. deadline approaches, according to Zach Harper of The Athletic. Harper reports that early offers resemble the modest package Atlanta recently accepted for Trae Young, even though Morant, 26, is a two-time All-Star.
Harper notes that 15 NBA clubs already have settled point-guard situations, removing half the league from contention. Of the remaining organizations, he lists Boston, Minnesota, Milwaukee and Orlando as unlikely participants because of limited trade assets or salary-cap room. He also rules out Atlanta, which just moved on from Young, and suggests Toronto is hesitant due to Immanuel Quickley’s long-term contract. Sacramento, Harper adds, is not expected to surrender the draft capital Memphis would demand.
The Nets, Bulls, Heat and Mavericks emerge as Harper’s most realistic landing spots, yet each presents complications. Chicago needs a marquee name yet already relies on Josh Giddey as its primary ball-handler. Dallas could pursue a younger option than Kyrie Irving while planning a rebuild around Cooper Flagg, but Morant’s injury history may give the Mavericks pause. Brooklyn is in the early stages of rebuilding, and Miami would have to juggle both roster pieces and salary to make a deal work. None are viewed as an ideal match.
Because of the lukewarm market, Harper believes Morant’s best route may be finishing the season strongly to restore value ahead of the summer. He adds that Memphis might already possess a satisfactory offer and is merely gauging whether a better proposal surfaces before the deadline.
Uncertainty Around Jaren Jackson Jr.
Ongoing Morant rumors have fueled speculation about Jaren Jackson Jr.’s appetite for a full rebuild, Tim MacMahon said on ESPN’s “The Hoop Collective” podcast. Memphis sits at 17-22, clinging to the West’s final play-in position after trading Desmond Bane to Orlando last offseason. “Their actions are telling you that they’re determined to rebuild the Grizzlies around Jaren Jackson Jr.,” colleague Tim Bontemps added, while noting league chatter about whether Jackson shares that vision.
Koloko’s Contract Expires
Center Christian Koloko’s second 10-day contract has ended, Keith Smith of Spotrac reports. To keep the 7-footer for the remainder of the season, Memphis would need to convert him to a standard deal. Koloko logged 11 games, two starts, and averaged 2.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 17.7 minutes.
Coward Impressing in Crunch Time
Rookie forward Cedric Coward is already earning late-game minutes, writes Chris Dodson of ClutchPoints. “He’s picking his spots,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said. “Ball movement was great; he was finding open players. Those are the things we’ve got to build on and also look to use in crunch time.”
The Grizzlies have three games left on a five-game homestand before the front office must decide how aggressively to reshape the roster before the trade window closes.
Source: Hoops Rumors
