After trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, the Memphis Grizzlies are expected to accelerate their efforts to also deal away Ja Morant and are prepared to come off their previous asking price, sources tell Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports. The Grizzlies are resigned to the reality that Morant, a former franchise player and true superstar, won’t bring back anywhere close to the type of return they received for Jackson and Desmond Bane.
With Morant available at a lower cost, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat could have the opportunity to retain most of their assets to offer to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sources tell the Heat could be amenable to signing Morant to an extension at an amount he’s seeking if they trade for him.
Memphis is also interested in entering any Antetokounmpo trade as a facilitator. The Grizzlies were exploring the possibility of acquiring Mike Conley Jr. in a multi-team trade involving the Bucks. But the Wolves moved forward with a separate deal on Tuesday involving the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons.
Morant has found himself with a diminished market following injuries, off-court issues and a general decline in his production. Morant is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists this season.