NBA Rumors: The only condition for which Sacramento Kings would go after Ja Morant

These days, the NBA is experiencing what is already known as the "sweepstakes" of Ja Morant, although with a very significant caveat: it is not a particularly crowded auction. There are not many teams willing to go after such an unpredictable point guard, immersed in a five-year, $200 million contract, with an average of just 30 games played per season in the last two seasons and almost as many suspensions as appearances in playoffs.

Despite this context, the Sacramento Kings emerge as one of the few teams with a clear need for a new star, especially a playmaker. The trade of De'Aaron Fox last year and Tyrese Haliburton a couple of seasons earlier have left the franchise without a leader in that position.

However, Sacramento's interest in Morant comes with a very specific condition: Memphis would have to accept a trade package led by DeMar DeRozan. In addition to DeRozan —who still has another year on his contract for over $25 million—, the Kings would include young Devin Carter and draft capital to complete the proposal.

This is explained by insider Marc Stein, who assures that, although Sacramento is generally seen as a team that does not intend to go after Morant, rumors have circulated to the contrary over the weekend. According to Stein, the Kings' stance could change if Memphis were willing to accept a package led by DeRozan, Carter, and some amount of draft picks.

A Weighty History

Morant, the number two pick in the 2018 draft, played only 50 games last season and just nine in the previous one, hampered by a combination of injuries and two suspensions related to firearm incidents. This season, the 26-year-old point guard has barely been able to play 18 games due to new physical problems and a team sanction for insubordination. Last year, he even publicly stated that he no longer felt like dunking the ball.

If it materializes, Morant could become the second star point guard to controversially change teams this year, following Trae Young's recent trade to the Washington Wizards. For now, Sacramento is only willing to enter the deal if DeMar DeRozan sets the price. The rest, for now, remains a mystery.