Pelicans may be emerging as leading candidate for Ja Morant

The Pelicans could be one of the teams to watch if the Grizzlies ultimately decide to move Ja Morant.

Appearing on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” Sam Amick of The Athletic suggested New Orleans may currently be the most likely landing spot among the teams linked to the former All-Star guard.

Asked about Morant’s trade market, Amick pointed to the Pelicans and Kings as teams showing interest before indicating he would “probably push it” toward New Orleans as the frontrunner.

Amick also acknowledged that Minnesota has surfaced as a team to watch for Morant.

Morant, 26, has battled injuries and off-court issues and appeared in just 20 games this past season. He also reportedly experienced tension with members of Memphis’ coaching staff before his season ended in January.

Still, when healthy, Morant has proven capable of changing the trajectory of a franchise.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, appear to be evaluating a number of roster changes following a disappointing season that included coaching turnover and another year outside serious playoff contention.

Should New Orleans pursue Morant, point guard Dejounte Murray would likely emerge as a key piece in any potential trade package.

The Kings have also been connected to Morant, while the Timberwolves, Heat and Bucks have surfaced in various reports.

But as the offseason begins to take shape, New Orleans continues to be mentioned as one of the teams worth watching.