Copyright newsweek
The NBA season may only be two weeks in, but there is certainly no lack of drama. While the on-court stuff is entertaining, the off-court stuff may be just as entertaining or even more so. Teams are just now starting to find their groove, although it is still too early to dictate who’s real and who’s fake. Time will tell, but what is not hard to figure out is who wants out of their current team. Memphis Grizzlies superstar guard Ja Morant may fall under that bill. The 26-year-old star has not played like himself to start the season. On top of that, Morant’s recent comments last Friday, frequently instructing reporters to “go ask the coaching staff,” when asked what could have been done differently, have caused many to count down his days in Memphis. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 10: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets during the game at FedExForum on November 10, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) More news: Lakers Receive Encouraging LeBron James Injury Update as Return Nears Trouble may be brewing between the two sides, and because of that, Sam Quinn of CBS Sports listed five top landing spots for the three-time All-Star. One of the five spots Quinn listed is Eastern Conference powerhouse, the Miami Heat. “The Heat are star-hunters. They also have about as strong a track record of straightening out players who’ve fallen off course as any team in the NBA. If there’s a team out there that’s positioned organizationally to get the most out of Ja Morant, it’s probably Miami. The Heat also have a lot of the ingredients a team would need to succeed around Morant. Bam Adebayo and Kel’El Ware are not only a strong defensive front court, but they’re both shooting and making 3s this season. Having Davion Mitchell in the building gives Miami someone to throw at top opposing perimeter players so Morant can be more easily hidden, and to be frank, it’s the Heat. They’ll always defend. “The Heat still owe out a first-round pick from the Terry Rozier trade. Unless they’re willing to trade Ware, they don’t really have a marquee player on a rookie deal to use as the centerpiece in a star trade. Their options in constructing a blockbuster are fairly limited, but there’s a construction here that makes some sense. Just as the Grizzlies could have extended Morant this offseason, the Heat had the same option with Tyler Herro. They elected not to extend him, and he hasn’t played yet this season due to injury. A deal built around the two of them could give Miami the upside it will otherwise struggle to acquire while giving Memphis a somewhat more reliable point guard coming off of his first All-Star Game.” More news: NBA Announces Historic Shai Gilgeous-Alexander News Following Win Over Clippers The reality with Morant is that he just hasn’t looked like his usual self. The spark, the energy, the joy — it’s been missing, and he’s admitted as much himself. His numbers early on this season are down across the board, averaging 20.0 points per game, 3.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 38.3 percent from the field and 14 percent from three. The Grizzlies look far off from a playoff team, and if that remains the case closer to February, Morant could have a new home by then. For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
