Hypothetical: Memphis Builds around Bane/JJJ and shops Ja Morant

[ReggiesKnicks]

What would your team or another team who could utilize Ja Morant offer for Ja Morant?

Contract
2025-2026: 39,446,090
2026-2027: 42,166,510
2027-2028: 44,886,930

[JRoy]

Not it.

[jbk1234]

I think they're better off moving Bane as I think it will be difficult for them to get fair value for Ja all things considered. Ja could use a change of scenery, but only an inept GM would ignore the injuries and off-the-court issues when making an offer.

[Astaluego]

Ja/Clarke/Konchar for IQ/Ingram or RJ+FRP 25

[ReggiesKnicks]

I think they're better off moving Bane as I think it will be difficult for them to get fair value for Ja all things considered. Ja could use a change of scenery, but only an inept GM would ignore the injuries and off-the-court issues when making an offer.

What do you mean "fair value for Ja"?

You mean if Ja was healthy and has no off-court issues his value would be higher?

[Mavrelous]

Nets eat him into cap space for this year's pick, unless it's Flagg.

[jbk1234]

I think they're better off moving Bane as I think it will be difficult for them to get fair value for Ja all things considered. Ja could use a change of scenery, but only an inept GM would ignore the injuries and off-the-court issues when making an offer.

What do you mean "fair value for Ja"?

You mean if Ja was healthy and has no off-court issues his value would be higher?

I mean that's obvious. Healthy Ja's production warrants his contract. Even with Ja missing games due to injury, you could make the argument that he's worth his deal if he were trouble free off the court. However, I think the Grizzlies are looking at a Kyrie to the Mavs return (maybe slightly better) if they deal him now.

[ReggiesKnicks]

I think they're better off moving Bane as I think it will be difficult for them to get fair value for Ja all things considered. Ja could use a change of scenery, but only an inept GM would ignore the injuries and off-the-court issues when making an offer.

What do you mean "fair value for Ja"?

You mean if Ja was healthy and has no off-court issues his value would be higher?

I mean that's obvious. Healthy Ja's production warrants his contract. Even with Ja missing games due to injury, you could make the argument that he's worth his deal if he were trouble free off the court. However, I think the Grizzlies are looking at a Kyrie to the Mavs return (maybe slightly better) if they deal him now.

Is "Kyrie to the Mavs return" Fair Value in your eyes?

What is the likelihood Memphis hangs onto Ja and his value goes up? 30%, 50%, 70%?

[Astaluego]

Nets eat him into cap space for this year's pick, unless it's Flagg.

After overpaying to get their picks back, the Nets should tank for another year, draft high in 2026, and then start thinking about trades.

[Astaluego]

I think they're better off moving Bane as I think it will be difficult for them to get fair value for Ja all things considered. Ja could use a change of scenery, but only an inept GM would ignore the injuries and off-the-court issues when making an offer.

I love Bane for Magic...Black/KCP/Da Silva +2 FRP?

[ReggiesKnicks]

I think they're better off moving Bane as I think it will be difficult for them to get fair value for Ja all things considered. Ja could use a change of scenery, but only an inept GM would ignore the injuries and off-the-court issues when making an offer.

I love Bane for Magic...Black/KCP/Da Silva +2 FRP?

This makes no sense. Memphis has 10-11 players who are legitimate rotation players. Why would they trade their 2nd best player for 3 low-end players and 2 1sts?

Memphis needs to consolidate talent, not water-down their talent.

[Astaluego]

I think they're better off moving Bane as I think it will be difficult for them to get fair value for Ja all things considered. Ja could use a change of scenery, but only an inept GM would ignore the injuries and off-the-court issues when making an offer.

I love Bane for Magic...Black/KCP/Da Silva +2 FRP?

This makes no sense. Memphis has 10-11 players who are legitimate rotation players. Why would they trade their 2nd best player for 3 low-end players and 2 1sts?

Memphis needs to consolidate talent, not water-down their talent.

Yes, you're right... but that premise would also apply to Ja... changing him won't give them a better player.

[shrink]

I think that since micro-market Memphis is unlikely to draw in a player with Ja’s potential, they try to ride it out. Two years ago, ESPN was trying to make the case that he should be in the MVP discussion.

But as a Hypothetical, it’s an interesting exercise. Which teams could use a heliocentric #1, and are also risk-tolerant enough to gamble on Ja’s injury and personality question marks?

Dallas? They gambled on Kyrie (who probably needs to be traded after this deal), and that worked out for them.
Orlando? They could use the offense, but maybe they see Paolo as their #1, and Ja would complicate things?
Washington? Jordan Poole has been a de facto #1, but I’m not sure the Bullets are trying to compete.
Expansion Team? He might be entertaining, but that’s too far away.

[ReggiesKnicks]

I love Bane for Magic...Black/KCP/Da Silva +2 FRP?

This makes no sense. Memphis has 10-11 players who are legitimate rotation players. Why would they trade their 2nd best player for 3 low-end players and 2 1sts?

Memphis needs to consolidate talent, not water-down their talent.

Yes, you're right... but that premise would also apply to Ja... changing him won't give them a better player.

But it could give Memphis a similar caliber player, like Damian Lillard or Kyrie Irving.

I like the idea of Ja + Filler for Quickley+1st(s)

Basically Memphis resets around Bane/JJJ/Role Players, then uses assets and players to cobble up enough value to add a 3rd game changing, higher-impact player.

[jbk1234]

What do you mean "fair value for Ja"?

You mean if Ja was healthy and has no off-court issues his value would be higher?

I mean that's obvious. Healthy Ja's production warrants his contract. Even with Ja missing games due to injury, you could make the argument that he's worth his deal if he were trouble free off the court. However, I think the Grizzlies are looking at a Kyrie to the Mavs return (maybe slightly better) if they deal him now.

Is "Kyrie to the Mavs return" Fair Value in your eyes?

What is the likelihood Memphis hangs onto Ja and his value goes up? 30%, 50%, 70%?

There are a couple of issues: (1) Is there an urgent need to trade him? If not, then assuming what he provides on the court is more valuable than what you get back, you just don't trade him. The team with the player under contract always has that option. (2) I suspect that if Ja plays next season relatively healthy, and trouble free, the prospect of acquiring him in the summer of 2026 becomes far more attractive for trade partners. The cap will be higher, you're only risking a two year commitment, and recency bias is definitely a thing when it comes to talented players.

[esvl]

This makes no sense. Memphis has 10-11 players who are legitimate rotation players. Why would they trade their 2nd best player for 3 low-end players and 2 1sts?

Memphis needs to consolidate talent, not water-down their talent.

Yes, you're right... but that premise would also apply to Ja... changing him won't give them a better player.

But it could give Memphis a similar caliber player, like Damian Lillard or Kyrie Irving.

I like the idea of Ja + Filler for Quickley+1st(s)

No chance. No low-ball offers, but Quickley can be accepted as a filler.

[BlazersBroncos]

I think with the 2 years of injury (Ja has played like 40% of games the past 2 seasons) + legal issues you are looking at an underwhelming return.

ORL does make alot of sense. Suggs + both 2025 FRP for Ja?

[wadenation305]

I'd take a gamble on him for the right price. But I do not think Memphis would want what we would have to offer. I would not include Bam, Herro, or Ware. It would be Jovic, Jaquez, Cap relief in the expiring of Duncan or Rozier, and picks (including this year's pick, which seems to be a top 10 pick).

[ReggiesKnicks]

I'd take a gamble on him for the right price. But I do not think Memphis would want what we would have to offer. I would not include Bam, Herro, or Ware. It would be Jovic, Jaquez, Cap relief in the expiring of Duncan or Rozier, and picks (including this year's pick, which seems to be a top 10 pick).

This is a fair offer. Probably include Wiggins and then Memphis would need to flip some of their players.

The major problem with a Ja Morant trade is Memphis is flush with lower-end rotation players. Breaking Ja into lesser current pieces isn't going to work, which means a picks package or older player and picks makes the most sense.

[QMemphis]

I know this is hypothetical but the Grizzlies are NOT trading Ja.

But if we were it would be for a comparable player. Not bargain bin price.