Ja Morant drops hint on possible free agency splash for Grizzlies

Though 2023-24 may be a season to forget for the Memphis Grizzlies, come next year the club is likely to once again be thrust into the conversation of legitimate title contenders.

However, this coming summer should prove to be a period where they can strengthen their claim for a lofty status within such a category.

Despite the fact that the likes of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Marcus Smart are all expected to be fully healthy come the start of 2024-25, with the mid-season decision-making of GM Zach Kleiman this year Taylor Jenkins' squad could certainly use for some talent bolstering in several areas within the rotation.

In the weeks since the February 8 trade deadline, Kleiman has gone on record to note that "there's work to be done" when it comes to positioning the Grizzlies for sustained long-term success and acknowledged that this summer presents a "unique opportunity" for them to strengthen their core, be it via the draft, trade, or even free agency.

While there's currently no telling what the front office's exact plan is heading into the summer, it's evident that they should look to address the center spot following the recent departure of Steven Adams and Morant himself may have just dropped a hint at who he might want Memphis to pursue as his successor.

Grizzlies star Ja Morant hints at possible interest in center Nic Claxton

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the account NBA University posted about the likes of impending free agent center Nic Claxton and how "rare" a player of his age and talent level hits the open market.

Soon after its publishing, Bluff City Media's Myke Horrell spotted Morant had liked the post that hyped up the big, which has led to some believing the star guard may be interested in seeing the Grizzlies pursue his services.

Now in his fifth season in the association, Claxton has established himself as one of the best two-way pivots the game currently has to offer.

Through 44 games played, the 24-year-old finds himself posting 12.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks while shooting 62.5 percent from the field.

Adding his talents as a replacement for Adams could prove to be a tremendous route to take for this Grizzlies organization, as he would seamlessly replace his rim-protecting abilities and offensive-rebounding skill-set while simultaneously improving the team's fast-break opportunities what with his underrated athleticism and rim-running capabilities.

For the right price, Claxton could be an ideal player to take over starting center duties out in Memphis.