Grizzlies to again explore Ja Morant trade during offseason

The Grizzlies explored the idea. They just didn’t like what they heard.

Memphis held discussions on potential Ja Morant trades ahead of February’s deadline, but nothing gained traction, according to Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright of ESPN.

At least one team, the Kings, wanted Memphis to attach a first-round pick just to move Morant. That was enough for the Grizzlies to walk away.

That says a lot about where things stand.

Morant’s value has taken a hit over the past couple years. Injuries have limited his availability. Production has dipped. Off-court issues have only complicated the picture. He appeared in just 20 games this season, which did not help.

Even so, the expectation around the league is that Memphis will have a better shot at finding a deal this summer. The return likely will not resemble what it once could have been, but the market should be more active.

Timing plays a role.

Teams are generally more comfortable reshaping rosters in the offseason, especially when it comes to a ball-dominant guard like Morant. There is also more time for due diligence, from medical evaluations to background work.

Then there is the bigger picture.

If Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available, he will headline the market. Teams that miss out could quickly pivot. Morant may not be Plan A, but he could be a fallback with upside.

“There’s certainly going to be hesitation,” one Western Conference personnel executive told ESPN. “But there’s going to be several desperate teams.”

Another executive offered a similar outlook.

“There will be teams that feel like they didn’t get what they wanted in the draft or free agency,” he said. “That’s when something could happen for Ja.”

Around the league, this has been building for a while.

Rival teams believed Morant could become available as far back as last offseason, especially after Memphis moved Desmond Bane and avoided extension talks. Tension reportedly increased early this season following a disagreement with coach Tuomas Iisalo, followed by a one-game suspension that did not sit well with Morant.

Per ESPN, Morant told players and some former coaches that he is done in Memphis.

If that is the case, the next few months may finally bring movement.

This time, the Grizzlies may not have the luxury of waiting.