- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,169,962
- Reaction score
- 59
Since the past trade deadline, the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies have consistently been linked together on a deal focused around controversial star Ja Morant.
While Morant was once an MVP candidate and looked like he could be the face of the league, he has fallen on hard times both on and off the court. There is potential for him to get back to an elite level with a change of scenery, but there is a risk that he doesn't.
The Grizzlies have moved on to their next rebuild and want to move him, but he doesn't hold much value. The Pelicans don't have much of worth to give up, which could make them ideal trade partners.
Here is the framework of a potential deal that would make at least some sense for both sides to pull off:
Pelicans Trade: Dejounte Murray, Jordan Hawkins. 2031 second-round pick
Grizzlies Trade: Ja Morant
Does adding Morant instantly make the Pelicans a top-six team in the Western conference? No. Does it make their season much more interesting and at least provide the opportunity for them to strike gold? Yes.
Just three seasons ago, Morant was averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists per night. This past year, in the 20 games that he played, he had nights where he 40 and 35. There were performances with 24 points and 1`3 assists. This is still clearly a talented player.
The ceiling with Murray, while higher than the past two years of disappointment, is still realistically just a Play-In Tournament quality team. Morant gives them the chance to add another star to their roster.
The downside isn't much different than what it is with Murray right now. Both are under contract for two more seasons. Morant is making more money, but that's the trade off.
Jeremiah Fears is the future no matter what, but they might as well take a swing at an upgrade next to him for the time being while also getting rid of the $7 million that Hawkins is set to make while probably not touching the court much next year for the Pelicans.
The Grizzlies need to move past the Morant era. This trade lets them do that while also adding a veteran guard who has a more reliable baseline, while also being cheaper. It'll also probably be easier for them to flip Murray down the line.
They can also afford to take a swing at Hawkins. He showed potential as a viable NBA role player early in his career, but has stagnated in New Orleans. Perhaps, like Morant, he needs a new environment.
Continue reading...
While Morant was once an MVP candidate and looked like he could be the face of the league, he has fallen on hard times both on and off the court. There is potential for him to get back to an elite level with a change of scenery, but there is a risk that he doesn't.
The Grizzlies have moved on to their next rebuild and want to move him, but he doesn't hold much value. The Pelicans don't have much of worth to give up, which could make them ideal trade partners.
Here is the framework of a potential deal that would make at least some sense for both sides to pull off:
Pelicans Trade: Dejounte Murray, Jordan Hawkins. 2031 second-round pick
Grizzlies Trade: Ja Morant
Why New Orleans Does This Trade
Does adding Morant instantly make the Pelicans a top-six team in the Western conference? No. Does it make their season much more interesting and at least provide the opportunity for them to strike gold? Yes.
Just three seasons ago, Morant was averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists per night. This past year, in the 20 games that he played, he had nights where he 40 and 35. There were performances with 24 points and 1`3 assists. This is still clearly a talented player.
The ceiling with Murray, while higher than the past two years of disappointment, is still realistically just a Play-In Tournament quality team. Morant gives them the chance to add another star to their roster.
The downside isn't much different than what it is with Murray right now. Both are under contract for two more seasons. Morant is making more money, but that's the trade off.
Jeremiah Fears is the future no matter what, but they might as well take a swing at an upgrade next to him for the time being while also getting rid of the $7 million that Hawkins is set to make while probably not touching the court much next year for the Pelicans.
Why Memphis Does This Trade
The Grizzlies need to move past the Morant era. This trade lets them do that while also adding a veteran guard who has a more reliable baseline, while also being cheaper. It'll also probably be easier for them to flip Murray down the line.
They can also afford to take a swing at Hawkins. He showed potential as a viable NBA role player early in his career, but has stagnated in New Orleans. Perhaps, like Morant, he needs a new environment.
Continue reading...
