Why Ja Morant could be next NBA superstar traded…
With Luka Doncic being traded to the Lakers, it’s been made clear that no one within the NBA is untouchable.
Doncic wasn’t alone because the NBA commerce deadline noticed quite a few stars get moved, together with De’Aaron Fox, Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine, Brandon Ingram and, of course, Anthony Davis within the Doncic deal.
But who’s next?
Luka Doncic holds up Lakers threads with GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick following the blockbuster commerce. AFP by way of Getty Images
“I’m constantly checking in with executives around trade deadline about like, okay, what we saw, what we didn’t see, what’s next,” Howard Beck mentioned on The Ringer NBA Show podcast.
“Somebody out of the blue said, ‘Keep an eye on Ja [Morant] this summer,’” Beck mentioned.
The Grizzlies own the No. 2 seed within the Western Conference with a 36-18 report, whereas Morant is averaging 20.7 factors, 7.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per recreation.
An NBA government pegs Ja Morant as a star to “keep an eye on” as a potential commerce candidate this summer season if the Grizzlies flame out early, per @HowardBeck on @ringer. “I’m continually checking in with executives round commerce deadline about like, okay, what we noticed, what we did not… pic.twitter.com/QL3LXpgMSa— APHoops (@APH00PS) February 18, 2025
Ja Morant controls the ball towards the Phoenix Suns. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
But Morant has missed 22 of Memphis’ 54 video games after lacking 73 video games final season, raising issues about his availability.
Not solely are the accidents plaguing Morant, however his own actions off the courtroom have landed him in sizzling water on a number of events.
He’s been suspended for brandishing weapons on social media two separate occasions, along with dealing with a lawsuit for punching a teenager in a pickup basketball recreation.
Morant has been very profitable when he’s on the courtroom, profitable Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player awards and being chosen as an All-Star twice.
But together with his accidents and off-court points, the Grizzlies could be getting fed up with Morant. We’ve seen groups get pushed previous their limits for a participant doing far much less — contemplating the Mavericks moved Doncic over “conditioning” issues.
If Dallas can commerce a perennial All-NBA and future Hall of Famer after he took them to the NBA Finals, who’s to say Morant is protected?
If the Grizzlies lose early within the playoffs and wish to make enhancements, Morant could be the catalyst in a deal whereas Memphis builds round Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane after a recreation towards the New Orleans Pelicans. NBAE by way of Getty Images
It’s actually not imminent, but when Memphis disappoints down the stretch, keep an eye out come summertime.
“I’m just kind of keeping an eye on if [the Grizzlies] were to flame out early,” Beck mentioned.
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