Small-market teams have it the toughest in the NBA because of the appeal of the big-market cities. Star players who switch teams will likely always prefer to go to bigger cities, and that was the case at the trade deadline when the Grizzlies were seeking a player to make them a contender this season.
The draft has always been the best bet for small-market teams to create title-contending teams, and the Grizzlies thought they drafted a core in three consecutive drafts with Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. However, after a disappointing season in their fifth year together, rumors are starting to swirl as their salaries get bigger.
Ja Morant's name is the most polarizing as he has had past off court issues that affected the team on the court, and is a true superstar player. His presence on the team is bigger than what anyone outside of the city of Memphis can view, and it was reiterated several times this last week.
"I don't know what Memphis is without Ja" - Jaylen Wells
The Grizzlies' rookie joined the Run It Back podcast on FanDuel TV recently and was asked if keeping Ja Morant would be ideal for the Memphis Grizzlies, and he responded that he doesn't know what Memphis is without Ja.
Conversely, his teammate, GG Jackson, joined the show and was asked if he could see a world where Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. aren't on the Grizzlies, and he responded that they were the heart and soul of the team, so it would be a shock.
Trading Ja Morant would have bigger ramifications for the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis than people realize. He hasn't voiced displeasure with being with the team and embraces the city like he grew up there, so there is no reason to consider trading him, and that has been reiterated by the general manager Zach Kleiman on mulitple occasions.
There is a different feel inside the FedExForum when Ja Morant is available and on the court performing dazzling plays than when he is not available. His availability is the reason why the rumors are circulating, but at age 25, the Grizzlies would be wise to see his career through as he enters his prime years in the league.
The best is yet to come for Ja Morant, and trading him would likely come back to haunt the Grizzlies franchise for years to come. The city of Memphis needs the Grizzlies, and Ja Morant is a big part of the future of both parties as he continues to grow into the player and man he is destined to become.