What other teams believe about the Bucks’ efforts in the Morant trade

Most of the NBA community generally sits up and takes notice when he’s a superstar I MorantCaliber is reported to be interested in a trade. However, recent conversations suggest that it was never strong market for Memphis Grizzlies superstar, despite the franchise actively exploring trade options before the deadline.

Per Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Grizzlies it might have to wait for teams like the Milwaukee Bucks over the summer if they want to get an attractive return.

“Sources say Sacramento has only ever shown modest interest. I’m told Miami also only inquired about Morant with the idea of ​​acquiring him in a deal similar to Washington’s acquisition of Tree Young. And the Heat, sources say, did not actively pursue Morant in the days leading up to the deadline as he became their primary target,” Antetokounm wrote.

Stein reports that a number of teams believe the Bucks’ interest in Morant is genuine, whether it’s to pair him with Giannis Antetokounmpo or as a potential successor.

“Many teams came out of the deadline believing the Bucks’ interest in Morant was genuine … whether it was to set him up as their eventual successor to Antetokounmpo as the face of the franchise or because they believed they could actually pair Giannis and I,” he wrote.

Memphis has openly explored contracts as part of a broader overhaul that has already seen trades for Desmond Bain and Jaren Jackson Jr. trade three first-round picks and a young rotation.

Despite Morant being a two-time All-Star and a former franchise center after a 56-win season in Memphis and a Western Conference semifinal, interest wasn’t high.
Sacramento’s involvement never progressed beyond an exploratory dialogue, especially with Morant reportedly unwilling to play there. Miami has shown interest and is widely believed to be Morant’s preferred destination, but the Heat have prioritized Giannis Antetokounmpo as their primary target.

Of course, Morant’s diminished value stems from concerns about availability and efficiency. The 26-year-old has appeared in just 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists, but posted a career-low efficiency (41% FG, 23.5% from three).

Memphis is also just 7-13 in the games it has played, and barring a quick return to form, the situation looks dire in terms of genuine interest and attractive trade packages are worried.