The NBA trade rumor mill is running hot, and this time, it centers around Ja Morant. Just yesterday, NBA executives did not find the 26-year-old guard a "hot commodity" for their teams, but it appears that other teams are willing to take their chance on him.
According to a recent report, several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings, are closely monitoring Morant's situation with the Memphis Grizzlies amid signs of growing tension between him and his new head coach, Tuomas Iisalo.
Ja Morant is Growing Frustrated in Memphis
Their frustrations have reportedly stemmed from the limited playing time accorded to Morant and Iisalo's unconventional rotation. The coach has been using a deep bench, featuring 12 players averaging at least 13.7 minutes per game, with Morant leading the pack at only 29.4 minutes per night. That's a big dip for a player who was used to serving as the focal point of Memphis' offense.
Following a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, Morant returned to action but raised eyebrows when he told reporters he currently finds "no joy" in playing basketball. His shooting struggles haven't helped, just 39.3% from the field and 13.9% from three-point range, marking one of his slowest starts to a season.
Trade Interest Rises Despite Declining Value
While the Grizzlies have shown no intention of trading their star player, league insiders note several front offices are ready to pounce if things get worse, per The Athletic's Sam Amick. The two-time All-Star and former No. 2 overall pick remains one of the league's most explosive talents, even as his trade value has dipped with past suspensions and recurring injuries.
Teams view this as a possible "buy-low" opportunity, especially for franchises that need a dynamic playmaker.
Timberwolves and Kings Lead Potential Suitors
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an early name in the mix. With 38-year-old Mike Conley nearing the twilight of his career and young guard Rob Dillingham still developing, the Wolves don't have a long-term solution at point guard. President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly, known for bold moves like the Rudy Gobert trade, may explore another blockbuster.
That could be a difficult trade to make with Minnesota's limited draft assets and cap constraints, though. That leads to the Sacramento Kings, who reportedly are in a better position to absorb Morant's $39.4 million salary.
After dealing De'Aaron Fox, the Kings signed Dennis Schröder, but he's seen as a placeholder. While a call hasn't been made from Sacramento to Memphis yet, sources say that could change shortly, especially as some sportsbooks have listed the Kings as the favorite to land Morant.
The NBA trade deadline is several months away, with many players not becoming eligible to be traded until Dec. 15. If things are going to reach a boiling point, it could take a while for a deal to materialize. There's still ample opportunity for Morant and the Grizzlies to repair their relationship ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
Earlier this month, Sports World News reported that the Kings were also rumored to recruit Precious Achiuwa after he was waived by the Miami Heat earlier this season.
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