Copyright yardbarker
There are only two paths forward for the Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant coming off his one-game suspension. After suspending the superstar guard for his recent comments about the coaching staff, the Grizzlies can either decide to repair their fractured relationship with Morant or trade him. Morant clearly appears unhappy in Memphis — and unhappy with the coaches more than anything else. Morant, who has been experiencing a career-low for minutes played, repeatedly responded with "go ask the coaching staff" when asked about his struggles in a loss to the Lakers last Friday. However, Morant is also in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract. While it's not clear if the Grizzlies will deal the face of their franchise, NBA fans and media also know that when a team suspends a player, it often signals the beginning of the end of their tenure. So if the Grizzlies decide a change of scenery is best for both sides, here are three destinations that could make sense for Morant. Miami Heat Some may argue a franchise that just dealt with a similar situation last year should stay away from a player like Morant, but the Heat are in desperate need of a superstar. At 4-4, the Heat have been enduring an up-and-down season so far. They are also void of an All-NBA-caliber player since sending Jimmy Butler to the Warriors midway through last season. Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell and even Tyler Herro, who has yet to take the court this season, are better served as complimentary pieces. Regardless of basketball fit, Miami president Pat Riley needs to decide if he views Morant as someone who can acquiesce and be part of his no-nonsense Heat culture, especially if the team would likely need to part with Herro to help make the finances work. Brooklyn Nets With over $15.2 million in salary-cap space and future draft capital at their disposal, the Nets could make a trade for Morant happen if they so desire. It's no secret the 1-7 Nets are rebuilding, but they could view adding Morant as a high-upside move — he owns a career scoring average of 22.5 points per game — that's worth disturbing their plans. Going from the Grizzlies to the Nets wouldn't place Morant on a better team, but he may fit the Brooklyn culture and could become the new face of that franchise going forward. Sacramento Kings If Memphis is willing to trade Morant within the Western Conference, the Sacramento Kings could actually be the perfect trade partner. It's unlikely Morant would pick a move to Sacramento over Miami or Brooklyn, or most other possible NBA destinations, but the Kings have numerous attractive draft picks, most notably an upcoming 2026 unprotected first-round pick from Phoenix. Since a divorce with Morant would further solidify a roster overhaul that began by moving Desmond Bane in the summer, Memphis will likely be looking for the most future assets as possible in any trade, making Sacramento an organization that can't be overlooked.
