The Memphis Grizzlies’ reported asking price in a potential Ja Morant trade with the Milwaukee Bucks has been revealed.
Meanwhile, a star Grizzlies teammate of Morant’s has drawn interest from the Eastern Conference, but whether he’s on the trade table might entirely depend on Morant’s situation.
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The Bucks, identifying a need to improve the pieces around franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo, have emerged as a possible landing spot for Morant.
NBA insider Michael Scotto reports the Bucks “have canvassed the trade market in search of talent upgrades around Antetokounmpo, including the possibility of acquiring Morant”, ahead of the February 7 deadline.
And while the disgruntled former no.2 draft pick is statistically down this season amid off-court issues, a change of scenery could do wonders for the explosive guard — particularly if Giannis became his new running mate.
In terms of Memphis’ likely asking price in a deal with the Bucks for Morant, Scotto reported the Grizzlies “have desired Milwaukee’s 2031 or 2032 first-round pick and Most Improved Player of the Year candidate Ryan Rollins”.
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Rollins, 23, would be an attractive asset in the eyes of rivals, having staged a career-best season, averaging 16.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists.
But Rollins alone wouldn’t be enough in terms of matching salaries, with Morant earning US$39,446,090 (AU$59,023,600) this year.
Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis are names worth monitoring in this sense as the Bucks “gauge their trade value”, according to Scotto.
In addition to the Bucks, Scotto reports the Heat, Kings, Raptors and Pelicans have shown a level of interest in orchestrating a deal for Morant.
Of the Heat’s chances, Scotto wrote: “Within league circles, there have been rumblings that Morant’s desire for months has been to land with the Miami Heat.”
If Miami were to ultimately be Memphis’ trade partner, he says guard Terry Rozier’s expiring contract “will almost assuredly be a part of any trade package”, while forward Simone Fontecchio “could also appeal” given his shooting strengths beyond the arc.
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PISTONS EYE BIG TRADE PLAY
The Detroit Pistons have reportedly shown an interest in Morant’s star teammate Jaren Jackson Jr., a two-time All-Star and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
According to Scotto, Detroit — alongside Boston — has emerged as a possible destination for Jackson Jr., though the big man’s availability for trade could be entirely dependent on Morant’s situation.
In any case, Jackson Jr., 26, would yield a big return for Memphis, given he’s still ascending on both ends of the floor, and Detroit has good young assets in its possession.
A prominent rim protector and defensive presence in addition to his ability to stretch the floor on the offensive end, Jackson Jr. is averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks this season.
The Pistons, in sole possession of the East’s one-seed, would elevate even further into title contention should they add someone of Jackson Jr.’s calibre ahead of the deadline.
Though if such a deal were to eventuate, they’d likely have to part with one of their young, ascending players such as Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland or Ausar Thompson, in addition to premium draft capital.
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