Ja Morant Stays With The Grizzlies... For Now

There's an argument to be made to keep this Memphis Grizzlies core together, and perhaps an even better one to split them up.

Winning 48 games and finishing with the sixth-best net rating in the NBA (plus-4.7) is a positive sign. New head coach Tuomas Iisalo might help unlock the best versions of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.

However, this offseason is also an opportunity for Memphis to check on the value of Morant, a two-time All-Star who should just be entering his prime at age 25. Durability issues have plagued Morant throughout his career, and Memphis was only mildly better ( plus-2.6 swing rating ) with him on the floor this season.

Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman emphatically said after the trade deadline that the team would not deal Morant , although that was months before a coaching change and a first-round sweep in the playoffs. It would be irresponsible for Memphis not to even take calls on Morant.

The Orlando Magic desperately need a point guard and have a collection of draft picks and young talent. The Miami Heat should be on the hunt for a star, and the Sacramento Kings are down an All-Star point guard after trading away De'Aaron Fox at the deadline.

Morant shouldn't be untouchable, but his value isn't at its peak after a drop in scoring and assists this season. Expect the Grizzlies to keep Morant for now and see how he performs for a full year under Iisalo.