Key Takeaways:
– NBA writer J. Kyle Mann suggests Memphis Grizzlies might trade Ja Morant for Kevin Durant from Phoenix Suns.
– Trade contradicts Suns policy of avoiding second-apron salary aggregates and Grizzlies’ loyalty to Morant.
– Balancing capabilities of Morant, Beal, and Booker prompts concerns over effective team dynamics.
– Memphis unlikely to trade Morant despite physical setbacks and suspension issues.
– Both Suns and Grizzlies could face major challenges if the speculated trade materializes.
NBA circles are abuzz with speculation about a potential star-for-star swap between the Phoenix Suns and the Memphis Grizzlies. Recent rumors suggest that the Grizzlies’ superstar Ja Morant could be heading to the Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant, further intensifying the NBA trade rumor mill.
Could Morant and Durant Really Trade Places?
The origin of this potential blockbuster trade was a bold proposition by J. Kyle Mann of The Ringer. Optioning for Kevin Durant’s move to Memphis in exchange for Ja Morant, Mann suggested a reshuffle of the NBA’s Next Generation Rankings. The idea, interesting as it sounds, is firmly grounded in some 2022 facts when ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported that the Grizzlies had made substantial attempts to bring Durant to Memphis. However, the Grizzlies’ reluctance to part ways with their premier players including Morant, added to Durant’s preference for the Suns, turned the proposition into a mere pipe dream.
Potential Hurdles in the Speculated Trade
Executing a straight Morant-Durant swap is problematic, especially on financial grounds. Durant’s salary of $47.6 million per annum dwarfs Morant’s $34 million package, a discrepancy which presents a significant hurdle. With both the Suns and Grizzlies already above the NBA’s luxury tax threshold, the financial aspect of the proposed exchange is complex.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rules limit the Suns, a second-apron team, from aggregating salaries while the Grizzlies, being a first-apron team, do not face such constraints. To make the trade feasible, the teams could possibly consider trading Morant and Brandon Clarke for Durant, along with some draft capital to sweeten the deal.
The Suns’ Potential Stance
The Suns might see the trade as a chance to bolster their squad depth. Clarke could bring a new defensive dynamic to the team, which has struggled to share workload effectively among Durant, Beal, and Booker. On the other hand, Morant’s ball-dominant nature could create a challenge as it might limit other players’ productivity. A successful trade may not change the Suns’ dynamic dramatically but would certainly spotlight the team’s strategic ingenuity.
Grizzlies: A Reluctance to Let Go
The Grizzlies are likely to stick to their guns and retain Morant, given his immense potential and popularity despite a recent slump in form due to an unfortunate shoulder injury and a suspension. As Mark Giannotto of the Commercial Appeal articulated, achieving championship glory for the Grizzlies goes through Morant. A trade involving Morant, regardless of the enormous reputation of Durant, might not be practical or beneficial for the Grizzlies.
Verdict on the Rumor
While the possibility of this trade has generated substantial buzz within NBA circles, the practicality and mutual benefits of such a move remain questionable. Even though the rumor has a hint of truth embedded in past interests and potential benefits, the chances of it materializing are slim at best, given the complexities involved. It will be interesting to see how this story develops, but for now, it remains only a hot talking point amongst the NBA’s rumor mill.