ESPN recently put together a list of players its insiders believe are the most likely to request a trade next, and Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant made the list. He ranked tied for fourth on the list, receiving only one of the 25 votes that were handed out, as that’s how many insiders were polled for the article.
Zion Williamson was first with 10 votes, Giannis Antetokounmpo was second with seven, LeBron James was third with six, and Morant and Trae Young tied for fourth with one apiece. And compared to all the players on the list, Morant asking for a trade doesn’t seem completely out of the question.
It could be more realistic than it seems.
Why would Ja Morant request a trade?
The Grizzlies made a massive change this summer. They shipped out Desmond Bane in a deal with the Orlando Magic, getting rid of one of the guys who was a pillar of their now-previous team around Ja Morant.
That said, they also extended Jaren Jackson Jr., a two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year, and signed Ty Jerome to help replace Bane’s production. But they are definitely in an awkward place.
With Bane gone and Taylor Jenkins out as head coach, the Grizzlies are entering a new era. Morant and Jackson are still leading the way, but the West is as crowded as ever, and things could change in a heartbeat.
If the Grizzlies underperform this season, who’s to say what happens next?
The Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors are all primed to be bona fide playoff teams. The LA Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, and maybe even the Dallas Mavericks will be right there, too.
There has never been less room for error for the Grizzlies, and with how many moving parts they will have to integrate, it could be more difficult to make the postseason than anticipated.
Morant is the centerpiece of the franchise. But if they can’t put a championship-caliber team around him, why wouldn’t he request a trade? Why wouldn’t he put pressure on the organization?
James is old. Antetokounmpo has emphasized his love for Milwaukee. Williamson can’t stay on the court and doesn’t have much leverage. The Hawks just put a great group around Young, buying all summer.
Morant is in the prime of his career, the Grizzlies just sold on one of his running mates, and a new head coach is leading the way.
If there were ever a situation for a player to ask out if things went awry, it would be Morant in Memphis.