Ja Morant’s extensive list of controversies may have impacted his overall standing in the NBA. Spanning over multiple on-court and off-court issues, the Memphis Grizzlies star has been suspended numerous times. The conversation, however, has shifted to possible trade destinations for the 26-year-old.
While Morant’s talent and ability to dominate the ball are undeniable, a team might consider other factors while orchestrating a trade. And if one is to believe rumors and analysts, the Grizzlies might have a hard time trading Morant.
Bill Simmons Shares Two Reasonable Ja Morant Trade Destinations
In a recent podcast, Bill Simmons — discussing Morant’s trade — laid down a few situations that could actually work for Morant. Many have already placed a timeline for his stay in Memphis, wondering if the team will continue to deal with multiple issues.
Recently, Morant was suspended for making rude comments about the coaching staff, prompting fans to question his locker room behavior.
“First one’s pretty chalk. I think this one’s probably floated around, but it’s Miami (Heat) and Memphis,” Simmons explained. “You send Ja to Miami. You put (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope) in the deal. Memphis takes back (Tyler) Herro and (Terry) Rozier. Just call it a day, and Memphis basically turns Ja into Herro and Rozier’s expiring.”
While Simmons wasn’t entirely sure, he thinks the Heat could ‘fix’ Morant and turn him into a superstar again.
The other trade Simmons suggested was a three-teamer, seemingly focused around Atlanta Hawks icon Trae Young.
“Memphis gets Trae Young,” Simmons continued. “Trae goes in there, the Memphis fans will love him immmediately. Toronto (Raptors) get Ja Morant, Atlanta gets (Immanuel) Quickley, (Collin) Murray-Boyles. No. 1 pick they took, and a protected ’29 first.”
Simmons further broke down the situation, explaining that Morant really doesn’t have many options left, and he isn’t entirely sure of his trade value. Apart from off-court issues, Simmons also highlighted the lack of durability on Morant’s part.
“There’s really not a lot of spots for Ja,” he concluded. “And I also don’t really know what his trade value is at this point.”
Morant Might Be in a Tough Spot Throughout the League
Having said that, Simmons isn’t the only one doubting Morant’s ability to land a great trade.
If ESPN’s Marc J. Spears is to be believed, Morant’s trade value is in trouble. Teams might want to avoid trouble entirely, opting for a player who can deliver stronger output on a more affordable contract.
“Four of the execs I talked to today say they really have no interest in trading for him. One said it was because it’s a combo of contract and off the court issues. Another suggested that if Ja is traded, it’ll probably be a problem star for a problem star,” Spears explained about Morant.
Morant is currently signed to a five-year, $197,230,450 contract with the Grizzlies.
Morant, drafted in 2019, is averaging 20 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists while shooting 38.3% from the field goal this season.
