The Grizzlies and Timberwolves had an epic first-round matchup in 2022 featuring Anthony Edwards and Ja Morant. While the Grizzlies won in six games, the trajectories of the franchises couldn't be any more different. The Grizzlies have not won a playoff series since, and the Timberwolves have since made the Western Conference Finals twice. With Ja Morant on the trade block, a recent mock trade has the Grizzlies sending Morant to Minnesota and uniting him with Anthony Edwards.
At the time of the matchup, Morant had an All-NBA-level third season, and Edwards had a breakthrough sophomore campaign. Since then, their careers have also followed different trajectories, like their organizations. At this point in their NBA careers, Edwards has solidified himself as a clear top 10 player in the NBA, while Morant is currently not at the previous level he once was.
A Ja Morant trade is looking inevitable at this point, and while his trade value has diminished a bit, ESPN recently had a very interesting trade proposal.
It's the most intriguing Morant deal for the Grizzlies so far
While there has been plenty of conversation about whether or not the Grizzlies would have to attach a pick to Ja Morant, this deal does not include any draft capital. The Grizzlies would be trading Ja Morant for Terrence Shannon Jr., Joan Beringer, and Julius Randle. Compared to other mock trades surrounding Ja Morant, this mock trade is arguably the best offer for the Grizzlies so far. The following was said about the deal:
"Former first-round picks Shannon and Beringer do fit the rebuilding Grizzlies. Memphis also could flip the former All-NBA Randle to a contender for more assets." - Bobby Marks
The Grizzlies will have to create roster spots and also address their current logjam of guards. However, there is plenty to like about Terrence Shannon Jr. and Joan Beringer. Shannon Jr. was selected 27th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, and Joan Beringer was selected 17th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, six spots behind the Grizzlies' Cedric Coward.
Despite not getting significant regular season playing time in his first two seasons, Terrence Shannon Jr. has shown signs of being a playoff riser. In this year's playoff run, Shannon Jr. received multiple healthy scratches in the first round until injuries to Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards forced him into the rotation.
Shannon Jr. capitalized on his chances and ended the playoff run averaging 11.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. While he didn't shoot the three well, he showed promising slashing ability and physicality needed for playoff basketball. Joan Beringer received limited playing time as a rookie but has plenty of defensive upside and could be a high-potential frontcourt option in Memphis.
Julius Randle is a proven veteran with multiple All-Star appearances and helped the Wolves reach the 2025 Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, he struggled immensely with the Spurs in the second round this year and could be on the move this summer. The Grizzlies could keep him as a frontcourt boost, but it could make more sense to reroute him for more assets.
The deal is very unlikely despite its intrigue
Truthfully, the deal doesn't make too much sense to the Wolves even though it would be a massive storyline to have a Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards backcourt. It seems very unlikely that the Wolves would part with both Shannon Jr. and Beringer in any potential Julius Randle deal this summer.
However, if the Grizzlies got two young former first-rounders and a proven veteran with playoff experience, it would be a huge win in any Ja Morant deal.
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