The Memphis Grizzlies have been in their offseason for several weeks now and the noise surrounding the status of star guard Ja Morant has been rather quiet as of late.
Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks proved to the world that this calmness doesn’t always equate to an absence of action behind closed doors.
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With that in mind, the Grizzlies could potentially trade Morant any day. This is especially true after another disappointing, injury-riddled season that appeared to show more of a divide between Morant and the team than ever.
In a lot of ways, his situation is similar to another star that happens to be on a team that would be involved in such a trade.
A trade involving Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to Memphis is highly unlikely, but a deal that sends Morant the other way could be an option this offseason.
There is a world in which the Bucks do everything they can to keep Antetokounmpo for the rest of his career.
Given the rise in public comments from the superstar regarding the team’s lack of success, a deal that brings in Morant could entice Antetokounmpo to stay.
There is a serious pathway to this deal as well, at least one that works out financially.
Bucks Receive: Ja Morant, Cam Spencer
Grizzlies Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Ryan Rollins, 2026 first-round pick (ATL holds rights to swap)
This is certainly a deal that could be tweaked here or there, but securing Ryan Rollins in the trade should be paramount for Memphis if they entertain trade discussions.
The issue is that the Bucks reportedly held Rollins out of trade talks before this season’s deadline, but they may become desperate enough to change that.
Rollins is a promising young talent who had a breakout season and finished fifth in votes for the Most Improved Player award. At 23, his inclusion in this deal would justify the trade further for the Grizzlies.
The benefit of the trade for Milwaukee is clear, as a duo of Morant and Antetokounmpo could be one of the best rim-running tandems in the league.
Milwaukee may also be able to keep both Myles Turner and Kevin Porter Jr. with this deal, allowing the Bucks to keep at least some of their current core.
Cam Spencer has also shown major improvements, averaging 11.1 points per game for Memphis this season on 44.9% from beyond the arc.
Ultimately, this is a move that would depend on several factors, but it would make sense for both teams in their respective situations.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
