Ja Morant Decline Sparks Grizzlies Trade Talk

Merlin sees Grizzlies star Ja Morant tumbling into trade gossip as production and availability crater. He’s in year three of a five-year, $197.2M deal but averages a career-low 17.9 points, shooting 35.9% overall and 16.7% from three while battling suspensions, injuries and a current calf strain. League voices worry his contract and decline make him a tough fit; an East exec called it “The combination of pain in the ass, injury prone, not that good anymore and big contract is a bad one.” Merlin hears echoes of Derrick Rose and John Wall — athletic primes dimmed by wear and tear — and scouts asking, “Has Ja already lost his pop?” Some teams think a change of scenery could revive him, others see too much risk. If Memphis moves him, they’ll seek protection and young assets; suitors exist, but the price and outcome are uncertain.