Two Teams Reportedly Eyeing Ja Morant Amid Star’s Rising Tensions With Grizzlies

Ja Morant and nan Grizzlies could beryllium heading for a contentious divided successful nan early amid nan prima guard's latest frustrations pinch nan organization, pinch Morant moreover admitting he has mislaid "his joy" after nan team's 3rd consecutive nonaccomplishment connected Monday.

Morant's strained relationship pinch coach Tuomas Iisalo and his visible deficiency of energy successful nan past fewer games person turned nan franchise prima into a lightning rod attracting unwanted controversy, and there's nary telling really things will play retired successful Memphis this year.

MORE: SI's Three Possible Trade Destinations for Ja Morant

The 26-year-old has been pinch nan Grizzlies for nan past 7 seasons, and astatine nan moment, location are only quiet rumors of his imaginable waste and acquisition retired of nan organization. Should Memphis determine they want to move connected from nan young superstar, though, two teams are intimately monitoring nan situation, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick.

Amick listed nan Timberwolves and Kings arsenic imaginable suitors for Morant:

The Minnesota Timberwolves, per a squad source, are one. Ditto for nan Sacramento Kings.

He besides named nan constituent guard-needy Rockets arsenic a squad that astir apt isn't interested:

The Grizzlies’ adjacent opponent, nan Houston Rockets, request a constituent defender aft losing Fred Van Vleet to a torn ACL successful nan preseason but, per a squad source, are improbable to prosecute him.

Naturally, a two-time All-Star for illustration Morant will nary uncertainty pull plenty of eyes astir nan league, moreover if it's conscionable teams taking a somesthesia cheque connected nan situation. Morant, who has 2 years near connected his $197 cardinal max deal, is averaging 20.4 points this season, his lowest since his sophomore NBA season, and shooting a career-low 39.3% from nan section and 13.9% from beyond nan arc.

If his profession continues going downhill successful Memphis, Morant could make for rather nan enticing waste and acquisition target this winter, moreover pinch all nan play and controversy that's circled him successful caller history.

More NBA connected Sports Illustrated