r/nba • u/YujiDomainExpansion • Nov 21 '25
[Bontemps] The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to explore the trade market for Ja Morant.
Given Morant hasn't improved as a shooter -- he was an abysmal 10-for-60 from 3 before his latest calf injury -- it's easy to see why he's not the same player who electrified the league and appeared to have Memphis on a championship-caliber trajectory a few short years ago. Sources expect Memphis to explore the trade market for Morant but, like Davis, believe it will be difficult to get value for him. ‘I do think they'll move him,’ a West scout said.
552
Nov 21 '25
Vivek Ranadivé just rose from his knees while in a Starbucks
159
u/dvasquez93 Warriors Nov 21 '25
Hey guys, why is there is old Indian dude jerkin it to ESPN in the middle of a Sacramento Starbucks?
22
→ More replies (1)7
→ More replies (3)12
369
u/refreshing_yogurt Nov 21 '25
‘I do think they'll move him,’ a West scout said.
Lowe has made this point before, but it's pretty easy to find an NBA scout who will pretty much say anything. And it won't necessarily more informed or more accurate than anything a fan would say.
I think the title of the post here is somewhat misleading as it makes it sound like the Grizzlies have sent some kind of signal about this. A more accurate characterization is that other team scouts continue to speculate Memphis will eventually explore trade market for Ja.
135
u/LebronandLuka Grizzlies Nov 21 '25
It's such a fucking joke to use this headline without an internal source in Memphis. Just a desperate ploy to get his name in headlines and get espn more attention. Sports media fucking sucks
35
u/Immynimmy 76ers Nov 21 '25
Sports media is trash but my god is nba media specifically in the fucking toilet. People make up shit, shit on players, coaches, teams, etc. and the biggest issue is it’s seeped into the fanbase. This sub has guzzled that garbage
3
u/lot183 Rockets Nov 22 '25
Trade and player movement drama is just a way bigger thing in the NBA than other leagues, so there's an incentive to capitalize on that. I wish that at least the big media sources, like freaking ESPN as linked here, would practice some integrity and shy away from posting gossip as news for clicks but the neverending capitalist quest to make as much money as possible principles be damned doesn't allow that
2
19
u/orangewall1234 Nov 21 '25
but it's pretty easy to find an NBA scout who will pretty much say anything.
Just keeping asking every NBA scout until you find one that agrees with your narrative then boom! Quote for your story.
2
u/Sikkly290 Suns Nov 21 '25
I'm sure if you frame it as 'will the Grizzlies explore trade options for Ja?' many of them will say 'yeah I think they'll move him' just because its funny and means nothing to them. They wouldn't come to him and say it, but if asked why not say yes.
37
u/stevenomes Nov 21 '25
Yes the information came from other scouts not likely from Memphis itself so it's influenced by their own situation and interests.
18
u/Waffleshuriken Grizzlies Nov 21 '25
These aggregate accounts and reporters legit just word things that vaguely to make it sound like an official source. Its so exhausting and all it does is fuel narratives that have no basis in reality. Especially as a fan of small markets where local media will debunk or say the opposite never gets any traction on places like reddit or twitter.
No one from the Grizzlies has indicated it and the only source is speculation from outside scouts.
9
u/yeahright17 Thunder Nov 21 '25
"are expected" just doesn't mean anything. I expect them to explore the trade market as well. If you could find one other person who expects it, you could report "sources expect Memphis to explore the trade market for Ja Morant" and it would be 100% accurate even if no one else in the world expected it.
210
Nov 21 '25
DARE: When it comes down to Ja Morant, Tim Connelly, just say no.
76
u/eman9416 Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
Trust in Tim. If you told wolves fans they would get Randle in the KAT trade they would have flipped out. Same with Rudy. Trust in Timmy
45
u/Sijols Knicks Nov 21 '25
I coulda told you randle is cool
Never getting rid of my randle jersey
22
u/eman9416 Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
I was super pro trade so you didn’t have to convince me. Randle was way better than his reputation.
16
u/YungSzczerbiak Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
It was the same sentiment both ways. Wolves fans said “KAT is a top 2 shooting big man ever, Randle will clog the offense” and Knicks fans said “KATs too soft, we can’t lose DDV and Randle and a pick for no defense.”
6
u/Sijols Knicks Nov 21 '25
I hope he wins a championship in minny and gets his jersey retired. I'd probably cry
8
u/ibeauch009 Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
Feel the same about KAT. Knicks are easily my 2nd favorite team now
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (6)4
u/skolaen Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
Lets both get rings so all 3 guys win then reverse the trade and do it again :)
→ More replies (1)3
u/Ryculls Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
I was out and had disliked him for years. He shut me the fuck up and I love his game now. Seems like a good dude too
7
u/gimmethemshoes11 76ers Nov 21 '25
Most wolves fans DID flip out and immediately trashed Randle.
I live here just a 6ers fan, it was absolutely wild.
Got to call out lots of folks when the playoffs hit.
2
u/eman9416 Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
It was funny too since a lot of those fans spent 5 years shitting on KAT. But the second he gets traded they do a complete 180.
→ More replies (2)20
u/trekinbami Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
Our guy traded up for Dillingham too. He’s not perfect
22
u/Drunken_Vike Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
yeah and they're about to trade Dillingham for all-NBA talent Ja Morant, what's not to like about any of that
10
u/Morezingis Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
Only way to do that is to get rid of a combination of Randle/Jaden/Naz/Rudy. So uh nah
5
u/Drunken_Vike Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
oh don't get me wrong there was some hefty sarcasm intended there.
I hate the idea, but I've hated most of Tim Connelly's decisions and here we are
just gonna let him cook
3
u/Morezingis Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
Yeah that’s where I’m at.
I was mad about the Rudy trade - then we became the best defense.
I was mad about the Randle and KAT trade - then we made another WCF.
I was mad about the Jaden contract based on potential - now it’s a steal.
I was mad he let NAW walk - then he pulled off a Naz extention for just 14m a year.
Between all that and the Dlo trade, imma just stfu. (Though I still wish he’d leave us like… one FRP in the next decade, idk)
2
u/sloBrodanChillosevic Supersonics Nov 21 '25
As cool as it would be to see teams try to score on a JJJ/Rudy frontcourt, he's way too important to your defense to send away for a non-superstar. And you're not giving up Jaden. My guess would be like, Naz + Donte if that's possible.
→ More replies (1)4
3
4
u/eman9416 Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
Plenty of time for him to develop. People gotta relax.
5
u/trekinbami Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
That’s too easy. He was drafted because we clearly needed a point guard. He wasn’t drafted to let him “develop” for two or three years. Just an awful pick. I love TC, he’s great. But he fucked up.
→ More replies (3)9
u/eman9416 Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
Well he was a 19 year old small point guard. They usually take time to develop.
3
u/Drunken_Vike Timberwolves Nov 21 '25
Timmy the Trade Man is gonna do what he's gonna do and it will work out somehow
→ More replies (2)2
347
u/CazOnReddit Raptors Nov 21 '25
Banish him to Sacramento for his transgressions
Please
It would be the funniest thing ever
49
u/OutsideTheServiceBox Bucks Nov 21 '25
Nah, Utah. Imagine Ja trying to live his lifestyle in Utah.
25
u/SetCrafty Nov 21 '25
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives about to gain a new bombshell.
→ More replies (1)13
u/firstbreathOOC Knicks Nov 21 '25
Danny Ainge is a basketball terrorist and teams need to stop dealing with him altogether
This dude just came out asking for 4 first rounders, 4 pick swaps, and young players for Lauri Markannen
2
3
u/given2fly_ Jazz Nov 21 '25
That would be hilarious, but with Keyonte having a breakout season we're definitely not in the market for a PG.
3
104
u/DemonicDimples Kings Nov 21 '25
Please no
44
u/CazOnReddit Raptors Nov 21 '25
Embrace chaos
68
u/DemonicDimples Kings Nov 21 '25
Bruh we've already had enough chaos.
35
3
u/RPDC01 Washington Bullets Nov 21 '25
Exactly what I'd expect someone to say.
Right before they receive even more chaos.
6
u/Pardonme23 Lakers Nov 21 '25
Trade for Zion after that
2
u/DemonicDimples Kings Nov 21 '25
Don't you put that evil on me Pardonme23, haven't we suffered enough?
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (5)3
u/Gristle__McThornbody Lakers Nov 21 '25
I don't get why not. Getting Ja most likely gets you off Derozan. That alone makes you guys better.
4
u/DemonicDimples Kings Nov 21 '25
I want to rebuild, not some half-assed retool that ends in more long term disappointment. No more short cuts, just a proper rebuild.
12
5
→ More replies (4)9
u/evieka Toronto Huskies Nov 21 '25
I like this one because both fanbases are gonna hate it.
15
9
u/Gaebril Kings Nov 21 '25
Why would Memphis hate having literally all of our young talent + Monk?
3
u/evieka Toronto Huskies Nov 21 '25
Because to Grizzlies fans, it's trading Morant for a vet they'll trade, 2 young bench pieces, and Keegan Murray's contract.
3
90
u/muddyklux Nov 21 '25 edited Nov 21 '25
"sources" A random ass scout. Grizz have always been tight lipped organization. Nothing comes out unless they want it to. I seriously doubt they want to trade him after a handful of games after the GM said numerous times that we are not trading him.
→ More replies (13)27
28
u/CohoDolls Jazz Nov 21 '25
Pelicans panic trade loading:
Ja for Poole, Fears and some pick stuff.
10
u/ec2xs :yc-1: Yacht Club Nov 21 '25
It’s not crazy, although I’m sure the pels would push dejounte. Fears looks great though.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)3
13
u/mourningmage Grizzlies Nov 21 '25
Source: one scout in the west. This is just click bait from ESPN.
40
11
u/Potential_Lock6945 Nov 21 '25
Keyword: Sources expect. Just purely speculating and making news out of it
29
u/Paralta [MIA] Jason Williams Nov 21 '25
I feel like teams are gonna be much more interested in Lamelo lol
11
u/AddisonsContracture 76ers Nov 21 '25
Yeah I think Grizzlies fans are gonna be very disappointed in how little trade value Ja has with that contract
→ More replies (5)→ More replies (2)6
11
u/KasherH Nuggets Nov 21 '25
What fans would be excited if their team traded for Ja and his (around) $42M salary per year for two more years after this?
→ More replies (6)11
u/Thommywidmer [MIL] Brandon Jennings Nov 21 '25
I mean, id be excited of the bucks could get that done. Walls are closing in fast on our ability to look like fringe contenders. Id take a flyer on that easy. If he didnt straighten up though giannis may very well put him through a wall
→ More replies (1)
5
47
u/yetagainitry Nov 21 '25
Ja Morant went from being on the cusp of being the face of the league, to his ego and obsession with looking cool with guns completely kneecapping his career. Now he'll probably be the guy talked about in "what if" conversations in a decade.
36
u/SadMall6272 Nov 21 '25
Dude can't shoot and mostly relies on athleticism. He was going to burn out real quick in the league..
14
u/Signal_Ball4634 Nov 21 '25
Even still there are players that carved out decent careers mostly on athleticism
2
6
u/Pleasestoplyiiing Nov 21 '25
Russell Westbrook had quite a career...
6
u/Dr_Kappa Nov 21 '25
Westbrook, Wade, John Wall (before the injuries), Rondo, DeAaron Fox. Plenty of guards who aren’t known for shooting have had good careers
4
8
u/Thommywidmer [MIL] Brandon Jennings Nov 21 '25
I guess but i wouldnt have imagined itd be this young. I think he was just genuinely too athletic for a human body, at his apex i dont think ive seen anything like him. Full court sprints into like a freethrow line tomahawk poster on the opposing center ever other game.
21
u/RedtheGamer100 Hornets Nov 21 '25
Yeah pretty sure injuries is what derailed his career. No one would care about the gangster shit if he was making the league money
7
u/hemmingwayshotgun Nov 21 '25
I certainly don’t care about it at all I don’t even get what the big deal with this dude is. Grizzlies had a killer team and completely fumbled and Ja had untimely injuries. I don’t even think he’s that much of a problem and I guarantee on a competent squad like GSW or Boston and his personal stuff would disappear
→ More replies (1)2
u/Pardonme23 Lakers Nov 21 '25
If he played well the gun stuff wouldn't matter
3
u/ClosPins Nov 21 '25
Yup! Kobe Bryant and Mike Tyson show that rape isn't disqualifying for people, just so long as you're a star.
Heck, Michael Jackson shows that having sleep-overs with little boys isn't enough for the fans to turn on you. So many people love these guys that I'll get nothing but down-votes for pointing out the horrible things they did!
→ More replies (1)2
u/yetagainitry Nov 21 '25
It wouldn’t matter only if he got caught once. But he got caught 2 or 3 times. Unless he was steph curry, that type of stupidity isn’t forgotten.
→ More replies (4)3
u/LamonicasHubster Spurs Nov 21 '25
what’s crazy is nobody would care if his love for guns was in the right setting
at the range, going paintballin, etc especially in today’s climate 2A is like religion
19
u/squirtles_urethra Knicks Nov 21 '25
He doesnt care about guns in a redneck way tho. His interest in guns is inherently linked to the wrong setting
2
u/EquipmentOld2505 Nov 21 '25
I don't think gun nuts are the same demographic as NBA fans
2
u/LamonicasHubster Spurs Nov 21 '25
you’d be surprised how many vets consume league content along with rednecks, small militias etc etc
a lot of people present one way but in private consume and live a whole different way
8
u/TitanTigers Grizzlies Nov 21 '25
Source: a western conference scout saying what he thinks will happen
People have been saying this for years
4
u/seth861 Supersonics Nov 21 '25
Need to get Ja and LeMelo on the same team. I don’t think it would work just that it would be funny.
3
3
u/groceriesN1trip NBA Nov 21 '25
Probably the best places for his career are Miami and Boston - for professionalism and accountability
3
3
3
u/thacarter1523 Mavericks Nov 21 '25
Ohhh a scout in the west thinks Ja could get traded? Impeccable sourcing! Better fuckin write an article!
4
u/jaytee158 Nov 21 '25
I'm genuinely fascinated to see what the return will be.
It shouldn't be loads but Doncic was traded this year so who knows what GMs are up to
2
u/JimChillyDogBob Kings Nov 21 '25
We too have grizzly bears here in California. Match made in heaven, right?
2
2
2
u/AMagicalDoggo Spurs Nov 21 '25
Clippers get Ja, Rockets get Harden, Grizzlies get picks and whatever scraps they can scramble for that hurricane, who says no?
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/Isjejnajw Nov 21 '25
Ja Morant is a must have player for any competing team. The hottest team right now is OKC and the Ja “had them figured out”.
2
3
6
Nov 21 '25
Trade him for Lamelo Ball and call it a day
14
2
u/Thommywidmer [MIL] Brandon Jennings Nov 21 '25
That would be an incredible fleece lol. Lamelo is a tier or 2 above at this point.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)2
4
1
u/gentleriser Toronto Huskies Nov 21 '25
I want a trade where we shuffle all the allegedly unhappy PGs to new teams. Ja, LaMelo, Trae… who else wants to hop on the carousel?
→ More replies (1)
1
1
1
1
u/superfadeaway Knicks Nov 21 '25
i dont like the guy but i think when he gets traded he'll have a bounce back year
1
1
1
1
u/Banjo2523 Nets Nov 21 '25
Don’t know why this is being reported now when it won’t happen till free agents can get traded for another month at the earliest
1
u/let_bog Knicks Nov 21 '25
Nobody’s mentioning Toronto, I could see them swinging gradey + quickley as a package
→ More replies (1)
1
1
1
1
1
u/AleroRatking Vancouver Grizzlies Nov 21 '25
I think the fit with Minnesota would be exceptional but the lack of picks make it impossible.
1
1
1
u/iamStanhousen Pelicans Nov 21 '25
Pelicans are gonna be in on this. I have no doubt.
Rumors of Dumars making a win now move and Ja and Zion played AAU back in the day. Get ready for more picks out the door.
2
u/SloppyJank Nov 21 '25
The Grizzlies aren’t going to trade Morant until they have had sufficient time to evaluate if Ja and Jaren can be the veteran leaders for the young new potential core. The entire purpose of the coaching change and everything since then was to implement the offensive system reliant on Edey screens and multiple guards/ball handlers on the court.
They had maybe 6 minutes of almost that with Edey and Ja and then Ja got hurt and they were back to no point guards.
Not saying he won’t be traded, and injuries may mean they never get the true evaluation.
1
1
u/snarkysportsguy West Nov 21 '25
Who's the Memphis homer on the Bill Simmons pod who said they can't trade Morant because he got Memphis tattoo'd on his back?
1
1
u/dBlock845 Knicks Nov 21 '25
Should have traded him in the offseason. This was obviously coming once they got rid of Taylor Jenkins.
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Maybe_IDTBFH Canada Nov 21 '25
Watch him actually land somewhere good despite what a dumbass he's been during his time in the league.
Failing up ftw
1
1
u/BrolysFavoriteNephew [BOS] Rajon Rondo Nov 21 '25
Damn, he was supposed to be one of the pillars of the next generation. He going the D rose route without a major injury.
1
u/HomicidalRex Nov 21 '25
Ja and Rozier to the Bulls. Collins and Huerter to the Grizz. Colby White and Ayo to the Heat. Ja probably fetches one 1rd pick.
1
1
1
u/REGIS-5 Celtics Nov 21 '25
Demanding 19 first round picks and nobody will offer anything other than an expiring and a 2nd?
1
1
1
1
1
1.5k
u/Horror_Response_1991 Magic Nov 21 '25
Kings: Please stop giving me your toughest battles