Ja Morant drawing widespread interest; Houston adjusts after Steven Adams injury; Memphis guards near return; optimistic outlook for Zach Edey
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MEMPHIS — The Grizzlies are fielding calls from several teams on Ja Morant and are “open for business,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Any potential trade, however, is expected to lag behind league-wide conversations surrounding Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Miami Heat, linked to both stars, are reportedly prioritizing Antetokounmpo before turning to Morant.
Morant’s contract runs two more seasons beyond the current one, a term that gives Memphis greater leverage than Atlanta had with Trae Young, who can opt out after this year. Morant, 26, is sidelined at least two more weeks with an elbow sprain and will remain out past the trade deadline. The two-time All-Star is averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists.
Rockets plan to lean on Clint Capela
The Rockets lost newly acquired center Steven Adams to season-ending ankle surgery, shrinking their front-court depth. Head coach Ime Udoka said Houston will increase Clint Capela’s role but does not intend to pair him with Alperen Şengün in two-big lineups as he did with Adams.
“People are calling non-stop,” Udoka noted when asked about adding another center before the deadline. “It depends on what’s out there, but we’re comfortable with Clint and small-ball lineups if needed.”
Grizzlies guards near game action
Memphis assigned Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. to the G League’s Memphis Hustle as both guards move toward their season debuts. Jerome could return to the NBA roster within a week, while Pippen remains a couple of weeks away after offseason toe surgery. Pippen, 25, is in the second season of a four-year, $9.6 million deal and has averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 assists over the past two years on .483/.402/.721 shooting in 22.1 minutes.
Positive prognosis for Zach Edey
Second-year center Zach Edey remains several weeks from reevaluation for a stress reaction in his ankle suffered in early December. Orthopedic specialists consulted by the Commercial Appeal expressed confidence in a full recovery. “Once the bone heals, he should be able to get back out there,” said Dr. Kenneth Jung of Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics. Vanderbilt’s Dr. Nicholas Strasser added that while patience is required, he is “not overly concerned” about Edey’s long-term outlook.
Memphis continues to navigate injuries across its rotation while monitoring Morant’s market and the broader trade landscape.
Source: Hoops Rumors
