Ja Morant Stays With Grizzlies, Summer Trade Looms

Merlin notes the Memphis Grizzlies did not find a trade for Ja Morant before the deadline after the market failed to materialize. As ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote, "Multiple teams were intrigued by Morant's talent but none were willing to make a serious offer, sources said." Concerns about inconsistency, past off court issues, and clashes with coaches left Memphis unwilling to accept lowball bids. Merlin senses the pause is temporary. Memphis is shifting toward a rebuild around Zach Edey and Cedric Coward after moving Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., so Morant still looks like a likely summer asset. If he stays injured and plays little, his value may stay depressed, but a fuller summer market or better trade packages could unlock a deal.