Ja Morant, who was once touted as a future face of the league, has seemingly fallen out of love with the game. He doesn’t look like he’s enjoying basketball in a Grizzlies uniform anymore. Trade rumors are doing the rounds with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a potential destination. But things aren’t as simple as they were initially perceived.
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NBA insider Jon Krawczynski confirmed that the Wolves are interested in Morant and have spoken to the Grizzlies about a move. It stems, unsurprisingly, from their roster that lacks a true star point guard. The Timberwolves are also trying to build on their recent trips to the Conference Finals and are keen to take the next step.
It won’t be long before Coach Chris Finch realizes that running the show with Mike Conley and Rob Dillingham at the helm of the offense won’t work. Anthony Edwards or Julius Randle can’t keep playing out of position at point guard for much longer, either. Still, the Timberwolves are not close to a deal for Morant, who would be a logical addition for the team.
“They certainly have checked in with Memphis on Ja and just kind of trying to test the waters a little bit,” Krawczynski said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “I don’t get the sense that there’s anything real close…” That’s bad news for Morant and the Grizzlies.
There’s no doubt that Morant is incredibly talented, and when motivated, he is one of the most explosive point guards in the NBA. But that’s the issue: He’s neither motivated nor does he have his head in the right place.
Paul Pierce, in an episode of KG Certified recently, went as far as saying that Morant looks like a “prisoner of war” at the Grizzlies. Truly, it looks like his time has run out.
Thankfully, Krawczynski thinks that respite may soon arrive for Morant and the Grizzlies. He suggested that in December, the Timberwolves will once again re-evaluate their situation, based on where they are in the standings and how their stars are faring.
That’s when they could decide to go for Morant. Currently, the Grizzlies are 10th in the West, with Minnesota four places above.
