The Phoenix Suns may have the best chance to land Ja Morant in a trade this offseason. Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies are reaching the end of a toxic situation after another bad season. Memphis opted to keep Morant throughout this season after fielding weak offers from opposing teams ahead of the trade deadline.
Scoop B Robinson reports that the Suns have emerged as one of the favorites to land Morant this summer:
“The Phoenix Suns could explore ways to inject a dynamic playmaking spark into their backcourt. Following a season where the lack of a traditional point guard often forced Devin Booker into heavy playmaking duties, adding a talent like Morant would allow the Suns’ stars to return to their more natural roles.
To make a deal financially and logistically viable, the Suns would have to move Jalen Green. Pairing Morant with Booker would create one of the most explosive offensive duos in the league, though the Suns must weigh the long-term salary implications of such a move.”
The vision for this trade would see Morant and Devin Booker becoming the starting backcourt for the Suns to build around. Booker clearly needs a better co-star for Phoenix to move up in the loaded Western Conference.
Phoenix Must Give Up Jalen Green For Morant
The report was clear that Jalen Green must be traded for Morant to match salaries and to give the Grizzlies a young player to build around. Morant’s trade value has dipped to the point where no teams are reportedly willing to include future draft picks, unless they hold major protections.
Memphis would have to settle for Green coming back as a young player who has contributed to winning in the NBA. Green was the leading scorer for the Houston Rockets last season when they had the second-best record in the West.
Phoenix would have to believe in Morant’s upside being much stronger than Green to invest in the controversial point guard. Booker is a more natural shooting guard and getting a point guard like Morant would allow him to return to his most comfortable role. However, Green looked good for the Suns in a limited sample size this season to add some hesitation.
Morant Would Reunite With Former Teammate
One interesting factor for the Suns going all in for Morant would be his former teammate Dillon Brooks remaining on the roster. Phoenix traded Kevin Durant for Brooks and Green last season to improve their overall depth this season.
Brooks has been a massive help to the Suns thanks to delivering his best season on the court and becoming a leader in the locker room. Morant and Brooks worked extremely well together in Memphis until the Grizzlies gave up on Brooks.
Phoenix presents a great situation for Morant to rebuild his reputation after the past few years of injuries and suspensions. Morant could rely on Booker as the lead scorer and get to play with many great role players around him. The Suns taking this gamble would show they clearly want to contend in Booker era.
Suns Emerge As Top Option To Trade For Ja Morant This Summer