NBA Notes: Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Suns, Dillon Brooks, Kings

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies expect trade chatter around Ja Morant to pick up once he is back on the floor.

That could come Sunday in Berlin, where Memphis faces the Magic. Morant has been sidelined since Jan. 2 with a right calf injury, but head coach Tuomas Iisalo said the star guard went through a full practice Friday.

“There’s a good chance he plays,” Iisalo said, via the Associated Press. “He went through the full practice today and now we’ve just got to see how his body responds.”

Morant has appeared in just 18 games this season, slowed by injuries and a one-game suspension in early November. He is averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists in 28.3 minutes while shooting a career-low 40.1 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from three.

Iisalo insists the two are aligned.

“We have a very good working relationship,” he said.

That has not stopped daily speculation. The Timberwolves, Kings, Heat, Bucks, Raptors, Nets, and Mavericks have all been mentioned as potential suitors. None of those talks are believed to be serious yet.

Morant has two years left on his five-year, $197.2 million deal, and his value has taken a hit amid declining production and off-court noise.

Suns

In a feature for ESPN, Tim MacMahon detailed how Dillon Brooks has helped reshape culture and drive winning in Phoenix after his exit from Memphis.

Brooks admitted he felt written off after the 2023 offseason.

“I didn’t want to fall off,” Brooks told ESPN. “I love this game, and I play it because I really love it.”

The Suns are seeing the payoff. At 24-17, they have already surpassed last season’s win pace after finishing 36-46 a year ago.

“He’s in the gym more than anybody that I know,” guard Collin Gillespie said. “You might not like it sometimes if he’s getting on you, but it makes you a better player.”

Owner Mat Ishbia echoed that sentiment, praising Brooks’ toughness and leadership.

“He’s exactly the type of player we want to be,” Ishbia told ESPN. “He’s been even better than expected.”

Kings

Kings forward Precious Achiuwa is embracing his current role at power forward, telling The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy that it feels natural.

“This is how I’ve always played,” Achiuwa said. “Playing the four is my natural position.”

Achiuwa said the role allows the offense to flow more freely and gives him room to impact the game without feeling boxed in.

“For me, it’s a better sense of freedom,” he said.

That comfort level is something Sacramento is hoping translates into consistency as the season grinds on.