The Kings’ trade proposal puts the Grizzlies’ Ja Morant in a desperation move

The Memphis Grizzlies were perhaps the most dramatic NBA team this year, and I Morant is at the forefront of their questions. The two-time All-Star was once viewed as a potential face of the NBA. Since then, he has been suspended multiple times and dealt with injury problems. The frustrations of the last few years are spilling over onto the hardwood and into the locker room this season.

Morant is having the worst season of his career. His 17.9 points per game are his fewest since his freshman year, and his 35.9% field goal percentage is by far a career low. Not only has Morant never played this bad before, but the level of play this year is not at star level. A poor shooting percentage is especially inexcusable.

Morant was suspended for one game this season. After being called out for poor leadership, Morant responded in a manner deemed inappropriate. His attitude has been dismissive and immature in media sessions this year, and it appears his relationship with the team that drafted him may be frayed. It all resulted Morant’s name has been popping up in trade rumors. Unfortunately, his trade value is at an all-time low. Even so, Sacramento Kings are one team with reported interest. It looks like they’ll blow things up on the trade market all by themselves, with players like Zach LaVineDomantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan as their big trade chips. So, could the Kings and Grizzlies agree to a Morant-for-LaVine package?

Kings trade proposal for Ja Morant

Kings get: I Morant

Grizzlies get: Zach LaVine, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick (via Spurs), two second-round picks

There was a time when it probably took four or more first-round picks to acquire Morant. After all, The Grizzlies traded Desmond BainMorant’s former teammate, more than that, and Bane isn’t a star like Morant. Now, Morant could be had for much less. Kings are not necessarily in a position to be buyers in trade. They are 5-13 and it is clear that the current core will not lead to playoff success. Because of this, they should probably sell a lot of their veteran talent.

If the Kings could trade LaVine, a first round pick, and a heavily protected pick from the Spurs for Morant, they would have to consider doing it. Morant is only 26 years old, so he is young enough to usher in a new era in Sacramento. The team was desperate for a point guard in the offseason. Although they are acquire Dennis Schroder during the summer the German guard was always somewhat of a journeyman.

Morant could return to his status as one of the the best players in the NBA with a change of scenery. He is a freak athlete who manages to cut to the rim and finish inside or help his teammates. His defense has always been suspect, as has his 3-point shooting, but Morant generates enough offense to make up for his shortcomings.

LaVine and DeRozan may be more likely to be dealt than Sabonis, especially because he’s a big man dealing with injury. Morant, however, would provide a backcourt upgrade over LaVine, and would pair quite well with Sabonis if they decide to keep him. Sabonis’ rebounding, screen setting and passing abilities would complement Morant’s skill set. Getting rid of LaVine’s contract would be a plus in and of itself, but this is the type of trade that could pay off big for the Kings. If not, they’re not losing too much by taking Morant in this deal.

Should the Grizzlies trade Ja Morant?

If the Grizzlies are forced to trade Morant, it will be because their relationship with their star is irreconcilable. However, the team should do everything they can to restore confidence in Morant instead of looking to trade him. Of course, that’s far from a guarantee. Morant’s career has been littered with questionable decisions, so there’s no guarantee he’ll ever step up and become the leader the Grizzlies need.

What’s more, Morant may not be the only one in the midst of a crisis. There are signs that he has really regressed. Small and ineffective defenders with shooting and defensive question marks are not known as the best players in a championship team. It’s possible that Morant’s trade value will only continue to slide downhill.

Even so, unless Morant demands his way out of town, the Grizzlies would be better off holding on to Morant long-term or waiting until he regains some trade value. After adding surplus picks in the Bane trade, the Grizzlies aren’t necessarily desperate to add even more capital, either. Lavin is a good player, but he has his problems. LaVine has not contributed much to winning basketball in his career, and he has a bad contract. For now, a LaVine-for-Morant trade seems unlikely.