The Ja Morant saga is ongoing, despite the star guard’s request to stay with the Memphis Grizzlies beyond the trade deadline.
While the chances of Morant moving on are getting slimmer by the day, it’s not a scenario that should be ruled out entirely just yet.
On FanDuel TV’s ‘Run It Back,’ hosts Lou Williams, Chander Parsons, and Michelle Beadle kicked around a trade idea that would send Morant to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for a two-player, one-pick package.
"Giannis paired with Ja looks good on paper,” said the former Sixth Man of the Year, Lou Williams.
A Look at the Hypothetical Deal
Bucks get: Ja Morant
Grizzlies get: Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, protected first-round pick
If the Grizzlies decide to part ways with Morant, it would likely send a signal to the rest of the league that they are rebuilding. Since 2019, the Grizzlies have operated with Morant as the face of the team.
While the star guard is having a down year, he still remains the focal point of the team when he’s healthy and playing. Since Morant's current trade value is down, he won’t net the Grizzlies any stars in return.
The acquisition of Morant isn’t something the Bucks seem to be actively pursuing, but it could be a move that would keep Giannis Antetokounmpo satisfied enough for another run. Before the 2026 offseason, the Bucks have to make a move or two to show Antetokounmpo that they are working to maintain a playoff-ready roster.
Selling low on Morant isn’t an attractive move for Memphis. If the star guard isn’t pushing his way out, the Grizzlies might benefit more from keeping Morant on board, in hopes that with better health, he can drive his trade value back up. Then, those trade talks can be revisited later on.
This season, Morant has appeared in 20 games. He is shooting 41 percent from the field, averaging 19.5 points per game. Along with his scoring, he is dishing out 8.1 assists per game.
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