Will Ja Morant + $107 Million Star become the Unstoppable Duo??!

 

Will Ja Morant + $107 Million Star become the Unstoppable Duo??!

 

 

In the 2025 NBA summer, the Memphis Grizzlies made headlines by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic.

 

 

Many remain optimistic about the Grizzlies’ prospects despite the star guard’s departure, as the team assembles around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

 

 

But the Grizzlies might wind up missing a third star by the 2025–26 season. Assuming that occurs, the Grizzlies may consider a different deal in their pursuit of additional great players.

 

 

Fantasy Sports The trade that Ethen Hutton suggested on SI would have paired Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. with RJ Barrett, a wing for the Toronto Raptors, adding another superstar to their roster.

 

 

The following players will be added to the Toronto Raptors’ roster: John Konchar, Vince Williams Jr., Brandon Clarke, a first-round selection in 2029 (from ORL), a second-round pick in 2027 (from ATL), and a second-round pick in 2028 (from SAC) Gaining RJ Barrett and a second-round pick in 2026 from LAL, the Memphis Grizzlies are acquiring Barrett spent the first five years of his career in New York after being selected third overall by the Knicks in 2019.

 

 

Then, in the 2023–24 season, the Knicks traded him to the Raptors. Barrett is now 25 years old. Barrett had a career-best 2024–25 season with the Raptors, averaging 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.

 

 

 

Barrett has two years left on his four-year, $107 million contract, and many have complained that he is being paid too much, but he could thrive in a situation like Memphis. Barrett was practically given the keys to the Raptors’ offense last season and showed that he is capable of being a top-two option, but he was not playing competitive basketball.

 

Putting Barrett between Morant and Jackson Jr. would not help their three-point shooting at all, but he could be the type of scorer they need after losing Bane.

Would the Grizzlies do this trade?

 

Is it worth it to get Barrett to Memphis? He’s certainly a desirable acquisition. By severing relations with John Konchar, Brandon Clarke, and Vince Williams Jr., as well as certain draft assets, the Grizzlies would be sacrificing some important depth.

 

 

After acquiring Ty Jerome in free agency, Cedric Coward in the draft, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the Bane deal, it would undoubtedly be worthwhile to part ways with Williams Jr. and Konchar.

 

 

However, parting with Clarke could pose a problem. Despite Clarke’s extensive injury history, Memphis will rely on him heavily next season if they want to remain competitive in the frontcourt.

 

All in all, the Grizzlies would really only do this trade if they felt like they needed another offensive-minded star, but they are better off testing their current roster before making another drastic move.