It wasn’t that long ago that Ja Morant was widely viewed as one of the faces of the NBA, and the future of the Memphis Grizzlies. However, disciplinary issues, rumors of friction between him and the coaching staff, and the consistent injuries mean that Morant is now closer to being a trade asset than the player Memphis wants to build around.
The Grizzlies’ willingness to listen to Ja Morant trade scenarios is no longer a fringe possibility. Memphis reportedly explored moving the former All-NBA guard before last season's trade deadline but failed to find a deal, and league expectation is that those conversations could resume this offseason.
And well, the New Orleans Pelicans appear to have emerged as the frontrunners for the deal as they bid to combine him with the player who pipped Morant to be the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft, Zion Williamson. But well, how does New Orleans come up with the right package?
The Pelicans will have to move Dejounte Murray in order to acquire Morant
New Orleans staggered through a disastrous 26-56 campaign, missing the playoffs after consistent injury trouble. And while there are plenty of superstars who may be on the move this offseason, Morant represents the right profile considering he is more gettable, and is capable of improving the Pelicans’ offense dramatically.
Even during an injury-shortened season, Morant averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in 20 appearances. He still delivered explosive scoring nights of 40 and 35 points and continued to show the playmaking ability that once made him one of the young superstars.
However, any deal between the teams would almost certainly begin with Dejounte Murray, per Real GM. Because Morant is owed approximately $42.2 million this season and $44.8 million next season, salary matching is likely to dictate the move.
That means that the Pelicans may have to include Jordan Hawkins alongside someone like Jeremiah Fears, or draft assets. While that is not a significant retool considering Morant’s potential value, the problem remains his availability.
On one hand, Morant averaged 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists only a few seasons ago. On the other, he has now failed to appear in more than 50 games in each of the last three seasons.
New Orleans appears willing to consider that gamble because their current trajectory offers limited certainty. Murray remains a productive player, but there is little evidence that a Williamson-Murray core alone can elevate the franchise into the upper tier of the Western Conference.
From Memphis' perspective, moving Morant would represent a significant shift in organizational direction. The Grizzlies would acquire a more stable veteran presence in Murray. Further, Murray's contract is also easier to manage and gives them an opportunity to move him in another deal.
Of course, for now, no deal is imminent and no agreement has been reported. What has become increasingly clear, however, is that Morant's future is being openly debated around the league. And while there may be multiple concerns in addition to the injuries, New Orleans have consistently been discussed as the frontrunner.
