The last couple of seasons have produced mixed results for the Memphis Grizzlies. They have been one of the most injured teams in the NBA, but have also received breakout performances from young players such as Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells. With the continued growth of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant, the Grizzlies remain one of the most exciting teams heading into the new season.
However, the Grizzlies' lack of postseason success since the 2021-22 season has created valid questions about how the roster should be constructed in upcoming seasons. In recent months, there has been debate about whether Ja Morant should be traded or not. Despite Zach Kleiman previously shutting down trade rumors for Morant, the talks of a Morant trade are becoming popular again.
A Morant trade would take the Grizzlies further away from contention
Recently, on Sports Illustrated, a trade was proposed with the Brooklyn Nets that would send Ja Morant to Brooklyn in exchange for Cam Thomas, Keon Johnson, and a 2026 first-round pick. This proposal misses the mark for two reasons. First, with Cam Thomas and Keon Johnson being 23 years old, the Grizzlies should not be looking to make the roster even younger. Secondly, the pick haul for a player of Morant's caliber is simply too light.
While his trade value has likely decreased due to his recent injury history, he still remains one of the best players at his position. It is also important to note that he has three years left on his current deal. However, many recent proposals, including the Brooklyn proposal, are light, not just in terms of immediate NBA impact, but also in the lack of future assets for Memphis to build a contender without Morant.
Ja Morant is entering the prime years of his career
This upcoming season will be Morant's seventh season in the NBA. At 26 years old, Ja Morant is starting to enter his prime years. Throughout NBA history, many stars have entered their primes in their late 20s. While it will be important to keep him healthy, the end of this past season could be a glimpse of how the next few years of Morant's career will play out.
Post All-Star break, Morant started to regain his previous levels of dominance, averaging 27.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. While he struggled shooting behind the arc, Morant's midrange looked improved, and he was dominant attacking downhill.
Most importantly, Morant remains a high-level playmaker and one of the most clutch players in the league. Morant ended the season with a 2.7 DARKO DPM, the 23rd best in the league, despite missing 32 games and having to battle through early offensive inconsistency in the year.
This past season was challenging for Morant, as he was returning from shoulder surgery. He was not fully comfortable with the offense under the previous coaching staff, and he had multiple injuries. However, with his recent defensive growth, more time with Iisalo's pick-and-roll-heavy offense, and improved health should allow him to be one of the most dangerous players in the league again.
While it remains to be seen what the current ceiling of this roster is, the organization has surrounded Morant with more shooting and perimeter defense. If Ja Morant can build off his ending to last season, the Grizzlies can outperform this year's expectations and even evolve into a contender in the West over the next few seasons. Trading Ja Morant would signal another rebuild and lead the franchise further away from winning a championship.