NBA Rumors: Pelicans, Ja Morant, Timberwolves, Julius Randle, Mavericks

Pelicans

The Pelicans have been linked to Grizzlies guard Ja Morant in recent days, but it doesn’t sound like there’s much to those rumors.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, New Orleans is not interested in pursuing a trade for Morant despite recent speculation.

Stein and Fischer added the Pelicans remain committed to Jeremiah Fears as their point guard of the future after selecting him with the No. 7 overall pick in last year’s draft.

New Orleans also has veteran guard Dejounte Murray on the roster, making a pursuit of Morant seem unlikely. Morant’s sizable contract, injury history and off-court issues are believed to be factors as well.

Meanwhile, rival teams continue to inquire about forwards Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones. Stein and Fischer reported that the Pelicans are seeking multiple first-round picks in exchange for either player.

Timberwolves

The Timberwolves created significant financial flexibility by sending Julius Randle‘s contract to the Nets as part of a three-team trade.

According to Stein and Fischer, Minnesota was determined to keep Naz Reid and was reluctant to move Rudy Gobert, who remains the backbone of the team’s interior defense.

The deal generated a $33.3 million traded-player exception, and league observers expect president of basketball operations Tim Connelly to remain aggressive after recently re-signing guard Ayo Dosunmu to a five-year contract reportedly worth $112 million.

Mavericks

After hiring Dusty May as head coach, the Mavericks are viewed as more likely to keep the No. 9 overall pick than move down in the first round, according to Stein and Fischer.

May is expected to attend the draft and support several of his former Michigan players, including Aday Mara, Morez Johnson and Yaxel Lendeborg.

Whether any of those prospects are realistic targets for Dallas remains unclear. Stein and Fischer noted that much could depend on whether highly regarded forward Nate Ament is still available when the Mavericks are on the clock.