"Ja Morant: The Thrill Is Gone, NBA Youngboy Edition"

One of the more electric NBA superstars has reached new lows
with Memphis; as the Grizzlies took great liberty in suspending Ja
Morant. After a bizarre stat line from Friday's NBA Cup, Morant
finished with eight points. In losing fashion, Memphis lost to the Los
Angeles Lakers 117-112. It led fans to believe Morant was not
interested in playing or is this something brewing?

Following the loss, Morant vented his frustrations with his role.
Being the franchise player, it's on him to be active and impact the
game. But this feels more like a young man whose tenure in
Memphis is going to be an horrendous exile. Tension brewing which
likely from last season, and Morant is struggling to adapt. The body
language and responses to questions after Friday's loss said: "Get
me out of here. I'm done!"

Memphis hasn't addressed this by any means to my knowledge, but
the saga is boiling over. I said this in my western conference
preview, make or break for Ja Morant and we're seeing the break
happen in real time. Negative energy and not a single player
coming to defend their star player. It tells me each teammate
doesn't care or refuses to get involved. This is a bad sign for a team
which just a few seasons ago made it to the conference semi-round
versus Golden State. In the worst case scenario, a trade could

occur any given moment. Likely December or February prior to all-
star break. Here's a few teams who come to mind in a possible

trade package:

Sacramento Kings: A dark horse team with star power, but not a
clear direction as of yet with new head coach Doug Christie. None
of the talent on this roster meshes up and near the end of their
careers. With the Russell Westbrook signing, Sacramento's lineup
of Zach LaVine, Demar DeRozan, Malik Monk and Sabonis, it
doesn't appear the Kings know who they are.
Kings receive:
Ja Morant
Brandon Clarke
(2) first round picks
(2) second round picks

Grizzles receive:
Demar DeRozan
Malik Monk
Devin Carter
It makes sense for Sacramento in part of Morant's rookie contract
extension fits under the salary cap. A move which can revive their
fan base and build around Morant for the future. In hindsight, are
they a playoff contender? Yet to be seen in a crowded western
conference. They'd have to make a couple more moves to take
leaps and bounds.

For Memphis, it clears the deck and complete rebuild around Jaren
Jackson Jr. With the playmaking abilities of DeRozan, they're a
borderline play-in team and will need to claw into teams' best nights
to win.

Miami Heat:

If there's one thing we know about Miami, "Heat Culture" is real and
could benefit Morant tremendously. Pat Riley isn't afraid to roll the
dice and gamble on players who can impact right away. After
missing out on trading for Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant and Bradley
Beal, Riley has the players to entice Memphis. With Miami going to
be fighting just to win forty-five games, Morant can change the
season and become a gritty team.

Heat receive:
Ja Morant

Grizzlies receive:
Tyler Herro
Jaime Jaquez Jr
(1) first round pick

Miami would have the duo of Morant and Bam Adebayo; along with
solid role players to win now. The biggest alarming and concern:
Miami nightlife enticing Morant's behavior away from basketball. In
a city which has night clubs, celebrities, and drug cartel, Riley would
have to keep his phone next to a pillow. Miami's surroundings are
more attractive than Memphis and could warrant trouble.

Memphis would inherit two players who can score and defend
without any issues. Herro and Jaquez would add the plug and play
aspect in creating opportunities for others. It doesn't make them a
playoff contender, but would be surprising if they ran the tables.

Houston Rockets:

The boldest team whose shown making moves to win now
regardless of what it takes. With point guard Fred VanVleet out with
a torn ACL, the Rockets need a point guard to facilitate this offense.
Morant fits the mold of pure athleticism and shouldering the scoring
with Kevin Durant. It would put Houston in the driver's seat and
control their own destiny. Head coach Ime Udoka would press and
push Morant's mindset to become greater than he could ever
imagine. A stern old school coach who won't hesitate to keep
Morant in check. At this point of Moran't career, he needs a coach
who'll challenge him defensively. It could be a high risk, but hey...
Here's what a package would look like:

Rockets receive:
Ja Morant

Grizzlies receive:
Fred VanVleet
Dorian Finney-Smith
Rotational player (TBD)
(2) first round picks
(2) second round picks

Houston needs to go all in and compete for a championship with
Kevin Durant still in elite status. Morant would fill a major void and
open up the offense in creating opportunities for Durant, Jabari
Smith Jr and this young core of guys who want to win. Biggest
concern: Houston's night life is enticing as well. Again, the Rockets
would have to put parameters in place to protect themselves.
Morant's off the court behavior can open up wounds for failure and

a chance of winning a title. With a strong coach, culture and
supporting cast, Houston should at least entertain it.

For Memphis, getting Dorian Finney-Smith is a three and defensive
player. Floor spacer and can be a knockdown guy when called
upon. It helps free up the offense and give Jackson Jr rim control to
play down low. With VanVleet nursing his ACL, the veteran
presence will pay dividends in the long run.

As this continues to develop, rest assured more details will emerge
in the coming days. NBA season is underway and we're talking
about Ja Morant's unhappiness in Memphis.