Grizzlies potentially dealing Ja Morant in post-season trade following playoff elimination
Tossing Around Ideas: The name Ja Morant has been floating around in trading circles for quite some time, thanks to the rocky road he's faced this season. Morant, the Grizzlies' troubled leader, has been no stranger to injuries and suspensions, limiting him to a mere nine games in the 2023-24 season. This year, his performance slipped, and the Grizzlies bit the dust early in the playoffs just weeks after firing Taylor Jenkins.
Memphis is looking at some major changes, and the team might be rethinking Morant's role as the face of the franchise. The Detroit Pistons could be the dark horses to snag Morant if he ends up on the trading block.
Pistons' Secret Bid for Ja Morant
Pistons get: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick (lottery protected)
Last season, the Pistons joined the ranks of some of the worst teams in the NBA, tying the record for consecutive losses. They lost a staggering 28 games in a row but have since turned things around. Fast forward to this season, and the Pistons managed to win 44 games and secure the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.
Detroit boasts an impressive young core, featuring recent first-round draft picks such as Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland, and Jalen Duren. The team has been strategic with their veterans, too, with the likes of Tobias Harris, Dennis Schroder, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway Jr. all contributing to the team's progress.
The Pistons have shown potential this season, and if they falter in the playoffs, they should be eying new additions to their roster. A player like Morant could just be the boost they need to leapfrog from contention to true championship material.
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At first glance, adding another point guard might seem odd, given that Cunningham has taken the NBA by storm at the position. But Cunningham's 6-foot-6 frame allows him to play alongside smaller guards, so Morant would seamlessly fit in. Despite Morant's recent struggles, he's only 25 years old and holds two All-Star nods under his belt. Pairing Morant's slashing ability with Cunningham's versatility would create an unstoppable duo.
Should the Grizzlies Trade Ja Morant?
Despite the drama brewing around Morant, primarily his gun-related celebrations that have landed him twice in hot water with the NBA, some are questioning whether he could benefit from a change of scenery. Once considered the future face of the NBA, Morant finds himself surrounded by controversy in Memphis. The Pistons are moving in the right direction, but they're hesitant to make a big move that could elevate them to true championship contenders. But if they miss out on the playoffs, they shouldn't shy away from making a bold move like pursuing Morant.
On the other hand, it's hard to give up on a player who's guided the Grizzlies to a top-two spot in the Western Conference twice. Morant still showcases the potential to lead a championship-winning team.
Despite rumors swirling around a trade, the Pistons and Grizzlies are miles apart in terms of negotiating terms, with Grizzlies management showing no signs of parting with their star player. Any trade would require an exceptional offer from the Pistons to pry Morant away from his home team.
- In light of Ja Morant's rocky tenure with the Grizzlies, the Pistons could be eyeing a potential trade to acquire him, given his limited appearances due to injuries and suspensions in the 2023-24 season.
- A hypothetical trade could see the Pistons offering Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, 2027 and 2029 first-round draft picks, as well as a 2031 first-round pick (lottery protected) to the Grizzlies for Morant.
- If the trade were to go through, the Pistons, who have already shown improvement this season, could see Morant as the missing piece that propels them into true championship contenders.
- Given Morant's recent struggles and the controversy surrounding his gun-related celebrations, some argue that a change of scenery might benefit him and the Grizzlies, who are currently hesitant to part with their star player.
- However, Morant's ability to lead the Grizzlies to a top-two spot in the Western Conference twice suggests he still possesses the potential to guide a championship-winning team.
- As of now, negotiations between the Pistons and Grizzlies seem to be at an impasse, with the Grizzlies unlikely to part with Morant without an exceptional offer from Detroit.
