The shock of the Luka Doncic trade had many league executives scrambling to find the next big name that could be on the market. Ja Morant's name appeared as a player to watch for on the trade market if the Grizzlies' season ended exactly how it ended, in a first-round playoff loss.
However, the differences between the Mavericks and Grizzlies franchises are clear. Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison showed that he didn't have a gauge of Luka's importance to the city of Dallas and the Mavericks fanbase.
Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman shut down the initial rumors of Morant when they first spread and doubled down during the team's exit interviews when talking about their relationship. His job security likely confirms what many within and around the organization figure is the future for Ja Morant in Memphis.
Zach Kleiman and Ja Morant are on the same page
Ja Morant mentioned during his exit interview that he had the Oklahoma City Thunder figured out before his season-ending injury in Game 3. His other comments throughout the interview sounded like a player expecting to be back, even advocating for interim coach Tuomas Iisalo to get the head coaching position.
Along with Kleiman's previous stance about other teams fantasizing about the Grizzlies trading their star point guard, their relationship is on good terms. Despite his injury history, Morant is only 25 years old and hasn't reached the prime of his career yet.
Based on recent comments by both parties, Kleiman would either need to be fired and replaced, or Morant would need to request a trade for a deal to manifest itself. Both seem unlikely as of now, and it feels like the team will look to the players surrounding Ja to improve them for contention going forward.
The Grizzlies' other core players, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., are more likely to be moved if Kleiman ultimately decides to split them up. Their struggles in the playoffs, specifically the Thunder series this year amid a new contract negotiation for Jaren with their salary books getting expensive, have made Ja nearly untouchable.
The return value for a player of Morant's status and what he means to the team and city of Memphis won't match what the Grizzlies need. Without a significant injury, Morant's game hasn't taken a hit outside of bad luck in key moments with minor injuries.
Zach Kleiman understands the impact that Morant has on a small market team with their first true superstar talent. His assurance of their relationship shows that other teams around the league can keep fantasizing about a trade for the star point guard.