Since Ja Morant, a player for the Memphis Grizzlies, was supposedly caught on camera brandishing a pistol, he has been the focus of nonstop news coverage for the past 72 hours.
During the regular season, the top point guard received an eight-game suspension for a related incident.
The NBA’s Adam Silver spoke with Malik Andrews about Morant on ESPN on Tuesday night, and the 23-year-old also issued a statement (via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski).
Morant via Wojnarowski: “I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me. This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”
The Grizzlies have already suspended Morant “from all team activities,” and Wojnarowski reported (earlier in the week on ESPN’s Get Up) that he could be facing “a significant suspension” from the league.
I think the Grizzlies ought to consider trading him.
Since they are a young squad, Morant might be able to return valuable assets in a transaction.
What About The Golden State Warriors?
If Morant ever did become available, the Warriors actually have the pieces to build a strong structure for a deal, despite appearing to be a long shot.
Morant will receive an estimated $33.5 million in 2023–2024 thanks to a five-year, $194 million contract that begins next season (per Spotrac).
Jordan Poole’s four-year, $128 million agreement will begin with a $27.5 million salary in the upcoming campaign.
The wages would be close to matching if the Warriors offered Poole and seventh-overall pick Jonathan Kuminga in 2021 ($6 million salary).
Poole struggled in the NBA Playoffs in 2023, although he didn’t miss a game the entire season and scored 20.4 points on average per game in the regular season.
In addition to having the unique experience of being young players (Poole is 23 and Kuminga is 20) who had won an NBA Championship, Kuminga and Poole both have a ton of potential if they were given a more major role.
The Warriors may possibly include Patrick Baldwin Jr. and/or Moses Moody (in addition to draft picks) if the two weren’t sufficient to seal the deal.
The Grizzlies have been unexpectedly effective the past two seasons without Morant (31-15 in 46 games).
Morant appears to be in need of a change of scenery, and the Warriors are known for getting the best out of their players.
Although a hypothetical agreement is unlikely, the two teams ought to at least investigate it.
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