Not so long ago, Ja Morant was considered one of the rising stars and potential faces of the NBA.
Now, his erratic behavior, friction with his coach and organization and injury-proneness have raised serious doubts about that status.
That’s why the Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly having a tough time moving on from the former No. 2 pick.
In fact, according to former NBA player-turned-analyst Kendrick Perkins, other teams are asking them to include draft picks in any potential trade for Morant.
NBA teams want picks to trade for Ja Morant
“Teams were asking Memphis to attach picks in order to take Ja Morant, not the other way around. They were asking Memphis, ‘Hey man, attach picks with Ja, and we’ll take him,’” Perkins said on “Road Trippin.'”
It used to be the other way around. Normally, teams would give up multiple first-round picks to get their hands on the 26-year-old star with years left on his contract.
That speaks volumes about how Morant’s reputation has taken a massive hit in recent years, and it’s hard to believe it will get any better soon.
The Grizzlies’ decision to part ways with Jaren Jackson Jr. signaled a change in the tides, with them rolling with younger players and rebuilding.
Morant may no longer fit those plans or timeline, but with two years and nearly $90 million left in his deal, a history of insubordination and 79 total games played over the past three years, it’s easy to understand why multiple teams might have reservations about trading for him.
