Is it viable for Ja Morant to leave the Memphis Grizzlies?

Prominent NBA reporter Howard Beck from The Ringer recently appeared on an episode of Real Ones with hosts Raja Bell and Logan Murdock. As a regular journalist covering the top basketball league in the world, part of his focus is assessing the transfer market, especially during the offseason. During the discussion, the 56-year-old man reported on an executive's insistence on closely monitoring Ja Morant this summer. Since then, reports and ideas have circulated about the possibility of a trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies superstar.

The team's GM, Zach Kleiman, is more than just a conventional NBA executive. Kleiman has organically and efficiently built the Grizzlies roster from scratch. The bond he has established with his players sets him apart from other GMs. Last Tuesday night, Kleiman attended the Schollmaier Arena to support Grizzlies' guard Desmond Bane, who had his number 1 jersey retired by his alma mater TCU. Kleiman also went to Murray State to support Ja Morant in having his number 12 retired during the summer. The Morant rumor had the potential to disrupt the chemistry of one of the most cohesive units this season in Memphis. Fortunately for Grind City, Kleiman did not hesitate to put an end to the Morant rumors.

One of the key factors in the Grizzlies' dominance in the Western Conference has been Ja Morant's performance. The success of the Grizzlies has not solely relied on Morant's usage. Contrary to popular belief, his impact in multiple facets has contributed to the Grizzlies' winning games. In total, Morant is averaging 20.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists. He is achieving the best plus/minus average of his career. Morant also has the highest net rating of all Grizzlies players who have played at least 500 minutes this season. Both metrics surpass his marks in 2022-23, when he was named an All-Star in the Western Conference and finished 12th in the MVP voting.

Ja Morant's Impact

If there is any indication of Morant's significant maturation on the court, it would be this season. Not to mention that there is no single equivalent asset to exchange for Ja Morant in a trade. Even if there were sufficient evidence suggesting that the transaction would be worth following, the Grizzlies are not in dire need of bolstering a rotation leading the league in bench scoring. Morant has not only been a threatening force on the offensive end but has also been playing at an inspiring level on defense. The former Racer is holding his opponents to 44.1% shooting from the field this season. In comparison, he surpasses OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, Davion Mitchell, Jalen Suggs, and Dillon Brooks.

A trade involving Ja Morant would not only cause a social media uproar but would further complicate the overall roster puzzle. An unnecessary transaction like that would shake up the sporting culture of Memphis. Rarely does one have the chance to sign a generational talent, especially at the point guard position. Morant not only stands out on your screen but also leaps into the dreams of children aspiring to be what he is when they step onto the court one day. When rumors about Kevin Durant started circulating around the trade deadline, Phoenix Suns executive James Jones did not urgently rush to deny them. Private conversations were likely held to secure Durant's future in the Valley, but there is something in the way Kleiman exemplified with his franchise player. It is a valuable method in protecting the insecurities of his players.

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