Ja Morant’s time with the Memphis Grizzlies might be coming to an end. One of the many trade scenarios being proposed sees him being sent to one of the Grizzlies’ Western Conference Rivals. In exchange, they’ll receive one of the league’s best sixth men.
A Proposed Ja Morant-Timberwolves Trade Involving Former Sixth Man of the Year
The NBA’s trade deadline is fast approaching, and the rumor mill is churning louder as it gets closer. Of all the players being circulated in rumors, Morant’s name rings the noisiest, as many expect him to be wearing a different jersey before the deadline arrives.
His name was already in the trade rumors, but those grew even louder after Shams Charania confirmed that the Grizzlies are listening to offers.
One proposal envisions the two-time All-Star being traded to the Timberwolves in a massive four-team deal. This scenario, proposed by ESPN, involves the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, and Utah Jazz.
In this hypothetical deal, Minnesota would give up four players. Mike Conley joins the Jazz, Terrence Shannon Jr. lands with the Wizards, while the Grizzlies acquire a Wizards second-round pick, Rob Dillingham, and Naz Reid. In exchange, the Timberwolves get Morant.
The Wizards and the Jazz are primarily there to ensure the finances make sense, allowing the trade to go through.
Losing Morant might sting for the Grizzlies, but recent events suggest this is the only ending that makes sense for them. In exchange, they’ll receive another young prospect in Dillingham.
The second-year point guard, drafted eighth overall in 2024, hasn’t shown the talent that led to him being a lottery pick. In his rookie year, he averaged 4.5 points and 2.0 assists while playing 10.5 minutes through 49 games. This season, he has averaged 3.6 points and 1.8 assists while playing 9.8 minutes per game through 31 games.
At only 21 years old, Dillingham is still adjusting to the NBA’s pace and style of play. His low numbers could also be attributed to low and inconsistent playing time. Something that could change if he were to become a high usage backup for the Grizzlies.
The biggest prize for Memphis in this deal is Reid. He could become an integral part of the Grizzlies’ core for years to come, as he’s only in year one of a five-year, $125 million deal. His contract does include a player option in its final year, but that’s still a few years down the line, and it shouldn’t be a concern to the Grizzlies’ front office right now.
Reid has already demonstrated his ability to thrive in a smaller role for the benefit of the team, winning Sixth Man of the Year in 2024. He is also a versatile player, capable of playing either the four or the five, depending on his team’s requirements. This makes it easier for the Grizzlies, who already have a logjam in their frontcourt positions.
Losing him would sting for the Timberwolves and their fan base, as he has become a vital member of their squad. ESPN’s proposal also described him as a “fan favorite,” implying that trading him away might not sit right with fans.
However, those fans might be appeased if the pairing of Morant and Anthony Edwards works out. Together, the two of them can create an exciting offense that is both fun to watch and difficult to contain.
The Timberwolves have been to the Western Conference Finals in each of the last two seasons. On paper, Morant and Edwards could help them push past that stage.
