Bucks' hopes of landing Ja Morant to help Giannis Antetokounmpo just swung drastically

Jeremy Beren

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Bucks' hopes of landing Ja Morant to help Giannis Antetokounmpo just swung drastically image

Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to add another All-Star talent to their team to help Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Despite recent rumors linking the Bucks with a sensational trade for Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, the latest report from veteran NBA insider Marc Stein could spell the end of any pursuit for the two-time All-Star.

MORE: Heat chances of trading for Ja Morant from Grizzlies just changed in a big way

Though Morant is enduring a difficult, injury-plagued season with the Grizzlies, Stein said Tuesday that the 26-year-old has no intention of leaving Memphis. He does not want to be traded, and he has made it crystal clear to Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman.

The reality is I don’t think there is a huge market for him," Stein said on SiriusXM. "I don’t think there’s a trade the Grizzlies could make to sell to their fans."

Morant reportedly has felt alienated and isolated at times this season, but he demonstrated that he could return to his best during the Grizzlies' 126-109 win over the Orlando Magic at the 02 Arena in London on Sunday.

Morant scored 24 points and dished out 13 assists in the convincing victory, which took the Grizzlies' record to 18-23. Memphis is 11th in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the #10 seed.

Similarly, the Bucks (18-24) are a half-game behind the sputtering Atlanta Hawks for the 10-seed in the East -- and they have the added pressure of trying to convince Antetokounmpo to end his Hall of Fame career in Milwaukee. 

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