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Timberwolves predicted to swap declining ex-Lakers forward for $197 million Grizzlies star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Timberwolves outlasted the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the postseason despite being shorthanded, but ran into a juggernaut in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The San Antonio Spurs eliminated the Timberwolves in six games, marking the third consecutive season Minnesota has won at least one playoff series but failed to reach the NBA Finals.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes believes the Timberwolves could swap a declining ex-Los Angeles Lakers forward for a Memphis Grizzlies star guard to help position them for a championship run in 2026-27.
“Alternate versions of this deal (Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle to the Grizzlies for Morant) exist where the Wolves give up more usable pieces in place of DiVincenzo, with Joan Beringer and Terrence Shannon Jr. heading to Memphis,” Hughes wrote Monday. “That package feels like an overpay for a couple of reasons. The Wolves are the first team we've included with actual stakes.”
“This is a winning organization looking to improve itself after failing to make a third straight Western Conference Finals. Taking on Morant is scary enough for a squad that should be pretty risk-averse because it has a lot to lose, and sending out multiple rotation pieces (some with real upside) just seems too dangerous.”
“Here, Minnesota coughs up (Julius) Randle, who again couldn't succeed as a secondary playmaker next to Anthony Edwards in the playoffs, and DiVincenzo, who'll miss all of next season on an expiring salary. It's possible this isn't the best offer Memphis receives, but it's the best one Minnesota should be willing to make.”
Off-court drama, injuries, and an uninspiring perimeter jumper have led to significant questions about Morant’s future with the Grizzlies. The Murray State product, who’s been suspended four times thus far in his career for conduct detrimental to the league, only appeared in 20 games with Memphis this year, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists while shooting 41.0% from the field and 23.5% from beyond the arc.
Perhaps joining a new team could alter Morant’s trajectory for the better, and considering Randle struggled mightily against the Spurs in the postseason, Hughes trade proposal would be best for all parties involved.
Morant is still a gifted two-foot leaper with a unique burst that makes defenders appear like they’re in quicksand, making him worth the risk even if it takes him an extended period to solve his three-point shooting woes and make wiser decisions during his free time.
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