When you write hypothetical NBA trades for a living, your imagination can begin to run wild. Sometimes, you’ll envision things that are highly unlikely to happen. Please keep that in mind as you continue reading this article.
On the other hand, the NBA is more unpredictable than it’s ever been. Star players change teams like rich people change outfits. If they’re discontented by anything, they may make a change. With that in mind, organizations have kept up with the new climate. A team may be more willing to trade a star than they’ve ever been if they feel they’ve got reason to do so.
Even then, the Memphis Grizzlies probably won’t trade Ja Morant this summer. We’re not saying they will. On the other hand, we are saying that they could justify doing so. Morant is set to spend the beginning of the year serving a suspension. He certainly gave the Grizzlies pause for thought throughout 2022-23. Could they send him to the San Antonio Spurs?
The Trade Proposal
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, G/F Reggie Bullock, G Malaki Branham, 2024 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2026 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2028 First-Round Pick (MEM)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Ja Morant
Meanwhile, Morant wasn’t the only problem in Memphis last year. It may be that something was in the water. Whatever the case may be, the Grizzlies couldn’t avoid trouble no matter how hard they tried.
Dillon Brooks made a lot of noise in his own right. His antics in the playoffs were intended to throw LeBron James off of his game. It seemed to have the opposite effect. Brooks galvanized James, and the Grizzlies lost in the first round. Now, Brooks is a member of the Houston Rockets.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies & San Antonio Spurs Updates
It seems like the Grizzlies are working towards a cultural shift. Marcus Smart has come on board to replace Brooks. Still, trading Morant would be more than a cultural shift – it would be an entirely new direction. Should the Grizzlies take that direction?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Once again – Memphis probably doesn’t do this deal at all. We understand that. At the same time, it could be justified. If Memphis really wants to change their culture, they could start at the top. Morant is their franchise player, so he’s likely to set the tone for their culture.
Memphis isn’t exactly throwing Morant aside here, either. They’re getting a lot in return. Johnson has star upside in his own right – he’s not likely to be a franchise player, but he could make All-Star teams. Branham has flashed an upside as well. Both of these players would be strong additions if Memphis was moving Morant.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Finally, Memphis is landing a fair chunk of draft capital here as well. With three new unprotected first-round picks, they can go about rebuilding their team. With reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane still young, they’ll have a head start. Should the Spurs cut their rebuild off prematurely?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Grizzlies fans will be outraged by this proposal. Some Spurs fans won’t like it either. This team just drafted Victor Wembanyama. Why would they risk their team’s culture by pairing him with Morant?
Let’s see – because he’s Ja Morant. This is one of the most electrifying talents in the NBA. The Spurs would have one of the most talented duos in the NBA between Morant and Wembanyama. Moreover, we’ve seen a number of successful center / point guard duos throughout league history. This is a nice, well-rounded star pair.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Would it be a bold decision? You bet. If Morant serves more suspensions down the line, the Spurs could regret this – and he’s injury-prone as well. At the same time, the potential reward here could be too much for the Spurs to pass on – even if it’s exceedingly unlikely to happen.
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