Zach Kleiman: Grizzlies Are Not Trading Ja Morant, Rival Execs 'Fantasizing'

[RealGM Wiretap]

An unnamed executive speculated about the future of Ja Morant this week and that the Memphis Grizzlies could consider trading him this offseason, but general  manager Zach Kleiman sharply dismissed that possibility. 

“I can’t blame other 'executives' for fantasizing about us trading Ja," said Kleiman. "But it’s just that - fantasy. We are not trading Ja. Continue to underestimate Ja, this team and this city, and we will let our performance on the floor speak for itself. I’m not going to give this nonsense further oxygen and look forward to getting back to basketball.”

Morant is averaging 20.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 28.8 minutes over 32 games this season. The Grizzlies have taken a cautious approach this season with Morant's minutes and games played in order to improve his odds of being healthy for the playoffs.

Both Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. will be eligible for contract extensions this offseason. The Grizzlies appeared to try to get ahead of those extensions by trading Marcus Smart at the deadline.

Via Drew Hill/The Daily Memphian

[NBA4Lyfe]

Athletic pgs except for a select few always end up aging terribly

[Pickled Prunes]

Athletic pgs except for a select few always end up aging terribly

Particularly when they are poor shooters with low AST/TO ratios and (for various reasons) can't stay on the floor. I would be sooo hesitant to give this guy the bag!

[njknicks]

Grizzlies will trade Ja in the offseason

Raptors could offer a good package :

Raptors : Ja Morant

Grizz : Quickley + J. Walker + 4 firsts ( one protected )

[Revived]

Athletic pgs except for a select few always end up aging terribly

Particularly when they are poor shooters with low AST/TO ratios and (for various reasons) can't stay on the floor. I would be sooo hesitant to give this guy the bag!

Westbrook is playing pretty damn well as a starter for the Nuggets.

[Pickled Prunes]

Athletic pgs except for a select few always end up aging terribly

Particularly when they are poor shooters with low AST/TO ratios and (for various reasons) can't stay on the floor. I would be sooo hesitant to give this guy the bag!

Westbrook is playing pretty damn well as a starter for the Nuggets.

How did people feel about Westbrook when he was on a max after his 30th B-day? Ja is a talented and exciting player. His finishes around the rim are next to impossible. I didn't say he couldn't have a long and successful career. I'm suggesting that he won't be on a contender in his 30's if he's taking up 35% of the cap. MEM wins at just about the same pace, whether Ja plays or not.

[Pickled Prunes]

Grizzlies will trade Ja in the offseason

Raptors could offer a good package :

Raptors : Ja Morant

Grizz : Quickley + J. Walker + 4 firsts ( one protected )

I think it's hilarious when a headline says: Player "X" Will Not Be Traded... and people jump in with fake trades.

[jefe]

Grizzlies will trade Ja in the offseason

Raptors could offer a good package :

Raptors : Ja Morant

Grizz : Quickley + J. Walker + 4 firsts ( one protected )

The Grizz counter with Jay Huff, a BBQ sandwich, and 2 seconds for Barnes.

[Alex_84]

Lol.

Leave it to realgm members to try convince people how supertalented and inhumanly athletic Ja Morant doesn't deserve the bag. Even though Grizzlies are #2 on the West when he charges...and out of top 10 when he's injured.