MEMPHIS — The Grizzlies plan to resume trade conversations involving guard Ja Morant once the NBA offseason begins, league sources told ESPN.
Memphis gauged Morant’s market value before February’s trade deadline but found little traction, according to reporters Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright. One proposal from the Sacramento Kings required the Grizzlies to include a first-round pick just to move the two-time All-Star, prompting Memphis to halt talks, the report said.
Morant’s trade value has slipped after two injury-shortened seasons, a decline in production and several off-court incidents. The 24-year-old appeared in only 20 games this season.
Front-office executives around the league believe the summer could produce a more active market, even if the potential return no longer matches Morant’s earlier peak value. Teams are generally more willing to overhaul rosters in the offseason, giving them additional time for medical evaluations and background checks on a high-usage guard.
Possible movement of other stars could also shape Morant’s market. Should Giannis Antetokounmpo become available, clubs that miss on the former MVP may view Morant as an alternative, several executives told ESPN. “There’s going to be hesitation, but there will be desperate teams,” one Western Conference personnel executive said.
Rival teams have monitored Morant’s situation since last summer, especially after Memphis traded Desmond Bane and paused contract-extension discussions, according to the report. Tension reportedly escalated early this season following a disagreement with coach Tuomas Iisalo and a one-game suspension that Morant did not welcome. ESPN added that Morant has told teammates and former coaches he is “done in Memphis.”
With Morant’s stance increasingly uncertain, league observers expect the Grizzlies to pursue a resolution before the start of next season.
Source: Hoops Wire
