Ja Morant Linked to Raptors Amid Grizzlies Struggles
UPDATE: In a surprising twist, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is now being linked to the Toronto Raptors as trade rumors heat up. With Memphis struggling at 7-12 and sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference, the team’s future appears uncertain, and Morant’s performance has noticeably declined this season.
The Raptors, who currently boast an impressive 14-5 record and are in second place in the Eastern Conference, may see Morant as the missing piece to enhance their playoff potential. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Raptors are exploring options to bring in a prominent ball-handling guard, making Morant a name to watch in trade discussions.
“One other team those around the NBA are wondering what their ultimate plan is and have been mentioned in connection to Morant by league personnel is the Toronto Raptors,”
Siegel noted.
Despite the Raptors’ success this season, they have missed the playoffs in four of the last five years. Their roster, featuring All-Star-level forwards Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, is primed for a deeper playoff run, and acquiring a star guard could elevate their game significantly. The Raptors lead the league in fast-break points per game, and the athletic Morant could fit perfectly into their dynamic offensive strategy.
However, Morant’s current performance is concerning. He is averaging just 17.9 points per game this season, drastically down from 23.2 points last year, with a troubling 35.9% field-goal shooting and 16.7% from beyond the arc. His recent struggles coincide with his absence due to a right calf strain.
Morant is under contract for two more seasons at $42.17 million and $44.89 million, complicating any potential trade scenarios. Despite these challenges, the interest from the Raptors highlights the urgency for both teams to reassess their strategies as the season progresses.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Morant and the ongoing developments surrounding the Grizzlies and Raptors. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Memphis will make a move or if Toronto will seize the opportunity to bolster their roster with a high-caliber player. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
