The Memphis Grizzlies' early-season turbulence has opened a window of opportunity for rival executives, with the star at the center of the storm being Ja Morant. Following a public disagreement with new head coach Tuomas Iisalo, opposing teams have begun "circling like vultures," eagerly exploring the possibility of acquiring the two-time All-Star.
While Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman has swiftly declined all trade inquiries, indicating they see Morant as a "complete part of their future moving forward," the situation is being "carefully monitored" by the league, fueled by the drama and Morant's recent struggles.
The Locker Room Breakdown
The trade buzz exploded after a $117-112$ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on October 31. The tension, which reportedly stemmed from Morant's initial dissatisfaction with the firing of former coach Taylor Jenkins, boiled over publicly.
The Confrontation: Sources confirm that "voices were raised" in the locker room after the loss, with Coach Iisalo reportedly "singled Morant out for his lack of effort and leadership." Morant's reaction was deemed inappropriate, leading to a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
The System Clash: The conflict appears to be rooted in Iisalo's European coaching style, which utilizes frequent, pre-set line changes—a rotation pattern Morant seemingly feels disrupts the team's flow and his own game.
The Problem with Morant's Value
Despite the clear desire from opposing teams to acquire a talent as dynamic as Morant, his trade value is currently complicated by a confluence of on-court and contractual factors:
Poor Performance: Prior to suffering a calf strain in mid-November, Morant was having the worst statistical season of his career. His $17.9$ points per game are his fewest since his rookie year, and he is shooting career-lows in field-goal percentage ($35.9\%$) and three-point percentage ($16.7\%$) across 12 starts.
Availability Issues: Morant's chronic issues with availability—due to both injuries and suspensions—have been a significant concern. He played a total of just 59 games over the two seasons preceding the current campaign.
Financial Obstacle: Morant's contract is a massive commitment, as he is making $39.4$ million this season and is owed $87.1$ million over the following two years. Any acquiring team must be willing to make a steep, long-term investment given the current risks.
For now, the calf injury that is expected to sideline Morant for at least two weeks has likely put all serious trade discussions on hold. However, as the Grizzlies continue to underperform and the relationship between their star and coach remains frosty, the situation is poised to dominate the trade deadline headlines. If the price to acquire Morant were to dip low enough, his potential as one of the NBA's most dynamic point guards would make him an irresistible target.
Related Article: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State-Sacramento trade soon?
Comments
Post a Comment