As speculation continues to intensify about Ja Morant’s future with the Memphis Grizzlies, many around the league believe the Houston Rockets will be a serious contender for his services.
Things between Morant and his current team have gotten ugly in recent days. After telling reports to “Go ask the coaching staff ” about why he has put forth a lackluster effort in recent games, the deteriorating situation has created a league-wide narrative that the Grizz will soon be forced to come to terms with the idea of moving on from their most popular player.
- Ja Morant stats: 20.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 7.1 SPG, 1.0 SPG, 14% 3PT
Despite the questions about the character of the two-time All-Star, a 26-year-old with superstar talent will intrigue many teams around the league. According to The Athletic’s NBA insider Sam Amick, two interested teams have already emerged: The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings.
However, there seems to be another team emerging in the potential chase for Morant: The Rockets. “It’s only natural that some rival executives have pinpointed Houston as a potential trade suitor for the 26-year-old,” NBA insider Marc Stein reports. “The Rockets, after all, have an acute need for a backcourt boost in the wake of Fred VanVleet’s season-ending knee tear in September.”
Rockets Salary Cap Issues Could Sink Ja Morant Trade
Insiders for ESPN also suggest Houston “makes the most sense” in the Ja Morant trade chase for that reason. However, there is a major problem in any potential trade for the uber-talented guard.
“Because of their first apron issues (they are currently $1.2 million below the threshold), Houston would need to trade Fred VanVleet and a combination of Dorian Finney-Smith, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela to make a deal for Morant work. Taking on Morant’s max salary is prohibitive,” ESPN reports.
- Ja Morant contract: Five years, $197.2 million
Furthermore, the Rockets aren’t expected to push for a trade anytime soon. “Word is that the Rockets are in a holding pattern of their own,” Stein revealed. “Houston’s preference is said to be waiting for a larger sample size before judging its VanVleet-less lineup options and seriously contemplating any significant roster changes in response.”
While VanVleet’s absence due to a season-ending injury was a big concern, they rank first in the NBA for offensive efficiency. However, they are also in the bottom ten in assist-to-turnover ratio.
