The Minnesota Timberwolves have “checked in” about a possible trade for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski.
Krawczynski said Monday on SiriusXM NBA Radio that “I don’t get the sense that there’s anything real close.” He added the situation could evolve as the season unfolds:
The Wolves are utilizing a point guard rotation that includes Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley and Rob Dillingham, and that’s less than ideal for a team with big playoff aspirations. DiVincenzo isn’t a natural facilitator, while Conley (38) and Dillingham (20) are at the extreme ends of the aging curve.
The fact that power forward Julius Randle is the leader in assists (6.1) and the only player averaging more than four a game says about everything you need to know about Minnesota’s backcourt.
Morant would clearly be a massive upgrade, even amid a season that’s below his usual standards. His scoring average (19.2 points) and field-goal percentage (35.8) are both down, but his 7.9 assists per game are in line with his career average.
Availability is obviously the first hurdle with the dynamic guard.
Given Morant’s status as the face of the franchise and a reportedly tough trade market, the Grizzlies have a stronger incentive to ride out the storm and hope their best player rediscovers his “joy.”
Formulating a trade with the Timberwolves specifically is difficult when they’ve already exhausted most of their best trade capital. They have precious few to move in terms of draft picks, and Memphis would have little need for Rudy Gobert and his $35 million salary.
If Morant did suddenly become attainable, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly would have to get creative in terms of the deal’s structure. A third and maybe even fourth team might be required.
As much as Morant would help, this idea sounds like a pipe dream.
