NBA Trade Deadline and Ja Morant’s Future
As the NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone, it is anticipated that Ja Morant will remain with the Memphis Grizzlies when he rises on February 6. Several key factors contribute to this likelihood.
Grizzlies’ Management Approach
Notably, Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleinman has a history of holding onto his players rather than making trades, especially trades that involve unfavorable contracts. This statement is reinforced by insights from NBC Sports analyst Grant Liffmann.
Market Limitations for Morant
Moreover, the market for Morant appears to be limited. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Houston Rockets, under president Raphiel Stone, are unlikely to pursue a trade for Morant. Stone has demonstrated a preference for building around the team’s current young talent, opting not to engage in risky roster moves like pursuing an injured player, particularly after losing veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to a season-ending ACL injury.
Injury Concerns
An additional hurdle in trading Morant is his injury history. Recently sidelined with a calf strain, he has missed the last ten games, a stretch in which the Grizzlies have fared well with a record of 7 wins and 3 losses. Historically, Morant has struggled to reach the 65-game mark since his rookie campaign, raising questions for potential trade partners regarding his long-term viability and fit within their team culture.
Future Trade Possibilities
With that said, it’s more plausible that if a trade for the talented point guard were to occur, it might not happen until the offseason. Teams rumored to be considering a trade for additional point guards, such as LaMelo Ball and Trae Young, may find themselves in similar positions regarding the lack of immediate interest in Morant.
Conclusion
For Memphis, the pressing concern seems to be how Morant’s return could mesh with the successful strategies the team has employed during his absence.
