Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies seem to be in a messy situation. This season, Morant is averaging a career low 30 minutes per game and is shooting just 38.3% from the field, including 14% from beyond the arc. Also, after the loss against the Los Angeles Lakers last Friday, Morant’s postgame exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo led him to one game’s suspension. The Grizzlies are currently on a loosing streak of four games and have only won three games this season. So, are the Grizzlies and Ja Morant up for a separation?
Well, that’s for time to tell. But now, since the speculations are up galore for where the next destination lies for the two-time All-Star, here are five places where you could see Morant playing out in his future:
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Grizzlies could sure have an interest in Rob Dillingham as the Timberwolves seem quite uninterested in him. Minnesota traded one of their big future picks to draft Dillingham in top 10 in 2024. However, we have barely seen any action from him yet. Instead, an older version of Dillingham in Bones Hyland sees more of the court than him.
Also, the Timberwolves’ point guard situation also looks quite in shambles. Mike Conley is ageing and the backcourt of Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo isn’t bringing enough playmaking either. Dillingham’s draft in itself says Ant-Man was never in the T-Wolves’ plans of being a fulltime point guard.
Wolves has struggled to keep up with their defense this season, despite them being touted so high. Hence a swing on Ja Morant could be quite a tempting option. Alongside Anthony Edwards, it could be an electric duo, however messy. Nevertheless, it would be rather entertaining, what most NBA fans look forward to at this point.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat has been on a strong run, despite Tyler Herro’s absence. Herro is currently recovering from an ankle and foot injury. Perhaps, Miami’s ‘Heat culture’ of discipline could perhaps be a fix for Ja Morant, only if he is ready to commit. Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the league and could perhaps bring the A-factor out of Morant, like he did for LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the rest of the two-time championship winning Heat squad.
Miami loves superstar players and if Ja Morant is available, they have all reasons for them to pursue. The South beach could probably be a great landing spot for Morant. But the Heat might not have enough to beat other offers.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are worth a mention in this case but might not as well be the best fit for Ja Morant. But H-town does need a real ball handler, especially when Kevin Durant‘s time seems to be drawing closer. The Rockets have an efficient offense so far despite not having a true point guard. But that has come against weak competition. It would be hard for them to keep up with the West any further.
The Rockets aren’t shooting many triples yet and are near bottom in the league on that stat. But Morant doesn’t shoot either. What he can bring is ball handling and tempo. However, he isn’t a strong defender either and could adversely affect their already strong defense. All Morant could add up to is to pace up the Rockets’ offense. Otherwise, there seems no clear fit for him in this squad.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are trying their best to ‘soft tank’ this season. Although they are letting their young player develop this seasons, the Wizards are probably aiming for top prospects like Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, or AJ Dynbantasa. But if they aren’t able to get a Top-3 pick, perhaps trading for Ja Morant sounds like a better choice.
Washington doesn’t have a real playmaker to create shots for Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George. But Morant could perhaps fill the gap. With the 2027 draft looking bleaker everyday, banking on lottery does not seem like a forever option. In Morant, the Wizards could find a potential franchise player who is still young enough to grow while making everyone around him better.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings lack youth in their squad and one point guard could essentially even answer their guard situation too. Though they failed to acquire Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors this offseason, Ja Morant could be a buy-low target the Kings could explore.
If you try looking for the “Beam Team” now, it’s mostly gone. Now, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Russell Westbrook have replace the old core. New GM Scott Perry wants to make a mark in the league and Ja Morant seems like a very probable option to do so.
Though Sacramento is not the best place for Morant to be, they could perhaps tailor their offense around him. Pairing his ability with Domantas Sabonis’ passing and Zach LaVine’s shooting could be a deadly combo. For Kings to bring the spark that they are seeking, chasing Ja Morant could help bring that.
Read More:
Former Heisman Winner Warns Ja Morant Of ‘Distractions’ In Miami, Atlanta Amid Trade Rumors
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