Ja Morant Reportedly Wouldn't Have 'Robust' Trade Market if Grizzlies Want to Move PG

The Memphis Grizzlies might encounter a tough market if they signal star guard Ja Morant is available in a trade, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

MacMahon and colleagues Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst discussed Morant's situation with Memphis on the newest episode of the Hoop Collective podcast. The insider provided a bit of a reality check on the Grizzlies' lack of leverage in a deal centered around their cornerstone.

"Bontemps, you say trade him, here's the problem… I don't think there's much — you guys talk to people, I talk to people — do you find a lot of people that believe there's gonna be some robust market if they do shop Ja Morant?" MacMahon said starting at the 12:22 mark.

Bontemps responded to say, "No, I don't think there is one."

A trade isn't imminent but at least looks plausible after Memphis suspended Morant for one game for conduct detrimental to the team.

The two-time All-Star drew criticism for his perceived lack of effort in a 117-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He shot 3-of-14 from the floor for eight points in 31 minutes.

Lakers-Grizzlies Full Highlights

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After the game, Morant told reporters to "go ask the coaching staff" when asked what was off from him on the court. He added that the coaches' prescription for improving the team's performance on that night was "probably don't play me."

ESPN's Shams Charania subsequently reported that head coach Tuomas Iisalo "[challenged] Morant's leadership and effort in a postgame exchange." The veteran playmaker then "responded in a tone deemed inappropriate and dismissive."

According to Charania, teams around the NBA are keeping tabs on where things stand with Morant and the Grizzlies:

Even under ideal circumstances, it's tough for a team to trade away a star player and get equal value in return. The more restrictive collective bargaining agreement has made deals of this scale more difficult as well.

Morant makes $39.4 million this year and then $42.2 million and $44.9 million for the next two seasons. Accommodating his contract will be tricky for contending teams approaching or over the first apron of the luxury tax.

Morant's trade value has declined a bit as well due to his multiple suspensions from the league and the Grizzlies' general stagnation after a 56-win season and Western Conference semifinals appearance in 2021-22.

Perhaps general manager Zach Kleiman reaches a point where a trade is the only path forward. If that proves true, it would be a massive setback for the organization.