Timberwolves, Kings Monitoring Ja Morant’s Situation in Memphis
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Several NBA clubs are keeping tabs on Ja Morant as tensions build between the All-Star guard and the Memphis Grizzlies, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. League sources cited by Amick say the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings are among the teams tracking developments closely.
Unease With New Coaching Approach
Morant, 26, has voiced dissatisfaction with the substitution patterns deployed by first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Grizzlies are using a 12-man rotation, and although Morant averages a team-high 29.4 minutes per game, he has struggled out of the gate, shooting 39.3% from the field and 13.9% from beyond the arc.
Frustration boiled over last weekend when Morant served a one-game suspension Sunday for conduct detrimental to the team following a dispute with the coaching staff. After returning Monday, he replied “no” when asked whether he currently finds joy in playing basketball.
Trade Talk Still Preliminary
Memphis has given no indication it intends to move its franchise cornerstone. Injuries and prior suspensions have already reduced Morant’s trade value, and the Grizzlies would have limited leverage if they chose to gauge the market now. Nonetheless, rival executives view the uncertainty as a potential chance to acquire a high-level talent at a reduced cost.
How Minnesota and Sacramento Fit In
Minnesota’s point-guard depth chart features 38-year-old Mike Conley, second-year guard Rob Dillingham, and shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo, who is playing out of position. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly has shown a willingness to make bold moves, having sent out a large draft-pick package for Rudy Gobert in 2022. However, the Timberwolves own few remaining tradable picks and lack obvious salary-matching pieces.
Sacramento, better equipped to absorb Morant’s $39.4 million salary, is also monitoring the situation. The Kings moved De’Aaron Fox in February and signed Dennis Schröder this past summer, but the veteran is not viewed internally as a long-term solution. While the Kings have not held trade discussions with Memphis, at least one sportsbook lists Sacramento as the betting favorite to land the two-time All-Star.
Other Teams and Timeline
The Houston Rockets, who lost Fred VanVleet to an ACL tear, are seen as another team needing backcourt help, yet a source told Amick that Houston is unlikely to pursue Morant.
The in-season trade deadline falls on February 5, and many players around the league will not become trade-eligible until December 15. With roughly three months remaining, teams will continue to monitor Morant’s status while waiting to see whether Memphis and its star guard can mend fences.
Source: Hoops Rumors
