On Tuesday, the Memphis Grizzlies made a blockbuster trade for a top star. However, they did not ship out the player most expected. Instead of completing a deal that would move fan-favorite Ja Morant, the team finalized a blockbuster trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz.
Following the deal that netted the Grizzlies three first-round picks, the assumption would be that the team plans to rebuild around Morant. Not so fast. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the organization is continuing the breakdown of its roster and is still engaged in trade talks with “multiple teams” about a Ja Morant trade.
If they do move him before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, we look at the four teams likely to make a trade for the two-time All-Star.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are always linked to star players that become available in a trade, and that is unlikely to change when it comes to Morant. While they are currently engaged in conversations about a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, if those fall apart, a pivot to a deal for the Grizzlies guard is very possible since the front office has reportedly had conversations about an acquisition in recent months.
The trio of Norman Powell, Morant, and Bam Adebayo, with Erik Spoelstra pulling the strings, could be a serious problem in the East over the second half.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves were previously linked to a Morant trade. However, word is that interest has diminished in recent weeks. Like the Heat, they are also involved in Antetokounmpo trade talks. However, they probably don’t have the draft assets to get a deal done.
On Tuesday, the team gave up a first-round pick swap and Mike Conley in a three-team trade. The deal seems to open up a slot at point guard that Morant could potentially be slotted into.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have a bottom-five record in the NBA heading into February. The franchise has tried to rebuild through the draft, but the results have not been very positive thus far. While they have resisted a trade for a big-name star, if they can get Morant for a team-friendly rate, the Nets should not be ruled out. Especially if it is a straight swap for Michael Porter Jr., a player they are looking to move and who has increased his value immensely this season.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons have come a long way over the last couple of years. They went from being one of the worst teams in the game two seasons ago to owning the best record in the East. However, they still are one big piece away from being a serious title contender.
They were a part of Tuesday’s three-team deal and landed a first-round swap, as well as the expiring contracts of Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric. It would not be surprising if that deal was made to get assets to flip in a deal for Ja Morant.
