The Phoenix Suns might have a chance at adding All-Star point guard Ja Morant in the offseason. NBA teams expect an exciting summer with some big names on the free agent market and even greater star power rumored to be on the trade block. The Memphis Grizzlies held onto Morant past this season’s deadlines, but all reports indicate they hope to move him in the offseason.
Bleacher Report trade expert Greg Swartz pitched the following trade and provided his reasoning:
“Phoenix Suns Receive: PG Ja Morant, SF Jaylen Wells
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: SG Jalen Green
With precious few draft picks or young talent to trade, a team like the Suns may be forced to take a gamble on someone as gifted as Morant in order to make a real playoff run in the West.
Morant and Dillon Brooks have reportedly maintained a good relationship over the years since the latter left Memphis. Running Morant as a true point guard (8.1 assists per game, fifth-highest in the NBA this season) allows the Suns to move Devin Booker back to shooting guard in a full-time role.”
The trade proposal requires Memphis to believe in young talent Jalen Green as a strong building block for the future. Phoenix clearly benefits by adding two talented players in exchange for one. However, the Grizzlies would be sacrificing another young asset in Jaylen Wells with this trade.
Why Trade Could Make Sense For Both Sides
Morant’s value is extremely low and forced Memphis to keep him past the trade deadline. Some pundits suggest that the Grizzlies traded Jaren Jackson Jr. earlier than expected to the Utah Jazz due to knowing they’ll have to settle for less for Morant. Memphis took the strong package from Utah to ensure their future.
An ugly ending to the season saw Morant not allowed to take part in team’s fan appreciation night event. Morant is all but confirmed to be gone unless something drastically changes before the deadline.
Memphis could sell themselves on Green as their main rebuilding piece to cut bait with Morant and end the toxic situation. No team is expected to give up valuable tradhee picks and that gives Phoenix a much better chance with their limited assets on the trade block.
What Could Block This Trade From Happening?
Memphis will still hope to find a better trade package available to deal Morant to the highest bidder. The Miami Heat have been rumored to have interest, but their most likely trade piece Tyler Herro has similar flaws to Green.
Desperate teams like the Brooklyn Nets could try to drastically improve their roster by taking the chance on Morant during his lowest possible value. The Grizzlies will clearly look for the right package, and giving away Wells in a deal makes little sense.
Phoenix will most likely have to settle for Morant and a lesser role player or add another promising talent to the deal. Memphis will not get a dream trade, but they should have better options than what the Suns would offer in this hypothetical trade offer.
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