The Memphis Grizzlies selected Ja Morant with the second pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, hoping that he could transform into a franchise cornerstone that would be able to help the team contend for a championship. However, the drama and controversies that have surrounded the star point guard over the past few seasons have led many to doubt his future with the Grizzlies.
Although Morant has made it clear in the past that he has no genuine desire to leave the Grizzlies, the fact remains that he has caused significant issues for the Team. While there is enough reason to believe that the Grizzlies are looking to trade him, a deal that would send Morant to a new team may prove to be more challenging than one may have expected.
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Ja Morant Has Been Struggling on and off the Court for the Grizzlies
Fans who have followed the Grizzlies star’s activities over the past few seasons will be aware that he was associated with several gun and gang-related incidents, not a good look for the league, which prides itself on its spotless image.
As a result, Morant was suspended and even had to undergo therapy before rejoining the team. However, his off-court issues did not stop immediately, forcing the league, as well as the Grizzlies, to suspend Morant for more games.
Heading into this season, the Grizzlies fan base was hoping for Morant to make it through without getting entangled in a new issue. While he was suspended for a game due to controversial post-game comments calling out the Grizzlies’ coaching staff, his injuries and struggles on the court have been a more pressing issue.
The Grizzlies’ star has already missed time this season due to a calf strain, an injury that has greatly hampered the team’s success as they sit at 5-11. Given their chances of contending for a spot in the postseason look bleak, NBA Insider Tim Bontemps recently opined that the Grizzlies are willing to move on from Morant, provided they can get enough value for him.
“Given Morant hasn’t improved as a shooter…He was an abysmal 10-for-60 from 3 before his latest calf injury…It’s easy to see why he’s not the same player who electrified the league and appeared to have Memphis on a championship-caliber trajectory a few short years ago. Sources expect Memphis to explore the trade market for Morant but, like Davis, believe it will be difficult to get value for him,” Bontemps wrote.
“‘I do think they’ll move him,’ a West scout said,” he further added.
Morant is on a five-year deal worth $197,230,450. He has three years remaining on his contract, meaning the Grizzlies would want to maximize his value under the assumption that a team is interested in a trade.
As things stand, it appears to be a matter of time before the team finds a trade, given his poor long-distance shooting and injury issues.
