A massive transaction between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies has begun the NBA offseason.
The Orlando Magic made a bold move to attract headlines after a surprising trade to acquire Desmond Bane, even though the 2025 NBA Finals have not yet concluded.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the focal point of a trade that netted the Memphis Grizzlies a hefty windfall.
It may be an indication that the Grizzlies are taking a new approach with their acquisition of substantial draft money.
This might signal the beginning of yet another massive deal, this time including their present franchise star Ja Morant, who just completed his sixth season in the NBA.
That being said, with the upcoming summer quickly approaching, the NBA Analysis Network has put up three trade ideas involving Morant.
The Houston Rockets, the Miami Heat, and the Brooklyn Nets are all part of it.
Heat of Miami Ja Morant is acquired by the Miami Heat.
Grizzlies players Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and Kel’el Ware receive first-round selection in 2025 via GSW, first-round selection in 2029, and first-round selection in 2031 The Grizzlies’ upper management is clearly growing frustrated with the existing core, as seen by the fact that Morant is one of three players that lost out in the Bane deal.
As part of a deal centred on Andrew Wiggins, the Grizzlies would trade Morant to the Heat. Salary matching for the transfer will be helped along by players like Kyle Anderson and Kel’el Ware.
In addition, the Grizzlies would be interested in acquiring three draft picks as part of their roster rebuilding package.
For the Heat, the trade will allow them to add a talented star to the dynamic duo of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Morant’s ability to score will also take some load off Adebayo, who can then focus on becoming a truly elite defender for the Heat.
Some may question Morant’s fit on the Heat due to his off-court troubles in the past, but let’s not forget, that Miami is famous for its ‘Heat Culture.’
It worked well for Jimmy Butler too, as he became a leader of men after joining the organization.
Brooklyn Nets
- Brooklyn Nets receive: Ja Morant
- Memphis Grizzlies receive: Cam Thomas, De’Anthony Melton, 2025 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
The Nets’ offer is somewhat similar to what the Heat could offer, but Brooklyn has a haul of draft picks in its inventory. In fact, they have the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
The key to making this trade will be how well the Nets can negotiate with Cam Thomas and De’Anthony Melton. After all, both players are set to become free agents this offseason.
The Nets will likely indulge in a sign-and-trade for both players. Additionally, the two future FRPs should be enough to convince the Grizzlies to engage in this trade.
Morant is currently 25 years old and could enjoy an excellent spell in Brooklyn alongside Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson as his teammates in the frontcourt.
Moreover, this trade will help the Nets have one of the best offseasons in the history of the NBA.
Houston Rockets
- Houston Rockets receive: Ja Morant
- Memphis Grizzlies receive: Jalen Green, Tari Eason, 2025 first-round pick via PHX, 2028 first-round pick
At first glance, the Rockets’ offer may look worse than the previous two, but let’s not forget that the team is coming off the heels of a 50-32 finish in the Western Conference.
Jalen Green played a key role in it, averaging 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while playing in all 82 contests. So the opportunity to get a player of this caliber, who is just 23 years old, could be tough for the Grizzlies to pass up.
Additionally, the 2025 first-round pick is the 10th overall selection in the NBA Draft as the Rockets acquired it via the Phoenix Suns.
Morant would get traded to a title contender that has a solid supporting cast and the Grizzlies would get a new cornerstone star with this move.
If the two franchises engage in this hypothetical trade, it will be a win-win move for both sides.
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