The Memphis Grizzlies are holding on to their star, but for how long? Ja Morant stays put despite trade rumors, leaving fans and the NBA world intrigued. With the trade deadline passing, the Grizzlies' front office has some explaining to do.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that several teams were attracted to the idea of acquiring the talented Ja Morant, a two-time All-Star. However, the reality was quite different. No team was willing to take the plunge, and the Grizzlies found themselves still with their star guard, who is currently nursing an elbow injury.
But here's the catch: Morant's injury history is a concern. He's missed a significant number of games since the 2023-24 season, and this season alone, he's been absent for 20 out of 49 games. And this is the part most teams might have hesitated over—his availability.
His stats this season reflect his struggles, with career-lows in field-goal and 3-point percentages. The Grizzlies, it seems, were open to trading him, but the market didn't bite.
In a surprising move just before the deadline, the Grizzlies traded away four players, including Jaren Jackson Jr. and John Konchar, to the Utah Jazz, acquiring three first-round picks and several players in return. This deal broke records with the largest trade exception in NBA history, valued at $28.8 million, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
This trade seemed to signal a rebuild, but the Grizzlies couldn't find a suitor for Morant, who is due a substantial $87 million over the next two years.
Morant himself expressed loyalty to the Grizzlies, but the team might reconsider their options in the summer.
So, was keeping Morant the right move? Could the Grizzlies have gotten more value for their star? The debate is open, and the NBA world is watching. What do you think? Is this a missed opportunity, or a wise decision to keep their star player?
