Rumors are swirling around the future of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant as the team’s rough start to the season continues. With reported tension between the player and the organization, other NBA teams are now testing the waters to see what it would take to acquire the former All-Star. The Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as a team with a genuine interest in making a deal.

The Memphis Grizzlies have set a clear asking price for any team hoping to land Ja Morant. According to reports, the franchise is demanding one of two specific packages in return. They want either a star player who can immediately help sell tickets or a massive haul of draft picks combined with promising young talent.

This decision comes amid a deteriorating relationship between Morant and the Grizzlies. The atmosphere around the star guard has been described as toxic following a recent suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. This followed a heated confrontation with the coaching staff, signaling a growing frustration on both sides.

Morant’s on-court performance has also dipped significantly this season. He is currently averaging 19.2 points per game but is shooting a career-worst 35.8 percent from the field. His struggles have deepened in November, where his scoring average has dropped to 16.8 points on 28.8 percent shooting. The Grizzlies have lost all five of their games this month.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, holding a 6 4 record, have identified point guard as a position of need. Their current options include 38-year-old Mike Conley and rookie Rob Dillingham. Veteran Donte DiVincenzo has started games, but the team lacks a top-tier playmaker. This has led them to explore a potential blockbuster trade.

Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic confirmed Minnesota’s interest. “They certainly have checked in with Memphis on Ja and just kind of trying to test the waters a little bit,” Krawczynski stated. He added that while a deal is not close, the Timberwolves could look harder at a trade if their point guard situation remains unstable into late December.

A Complicated Trade Landscape for Morant

The Miami Heat have also been linked to Morant as a potential trade destination. Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel noted that Miami has historically been “Pat Riley’s home for distressed players,” drawing a comparison to the team’s acquisition of Tim Hardaway in 1996. This suggests other teams are monitoring the situation closely alongside Minnesota.

Any trade would be complicated by Morant’s current statistical decline and his recent history with the Grizzlies. The acquiring team would need to part with significant assets while also taking a risk on his form and fit. The Timberwolves, for example, might need to include young players like draft pick Joan Beringer in a package.

The timeline for a potential move appears to be later in the year rather than immediately. Krawczynski suggested that if the Timberwolves are still “treading water” by late December, their pursuit could intensify. This gives Memphis several more weeks to evaluate its own situation and Morant’s market value.

Despite his recent struggles, Morant’s potential to return to his All-NBA form makes him a compelling target. Pairing his explosive athleticism with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards would create a dynamic backcourt. For a Memphis team looking to reset, a package of picks and young players could kickstart a rebuild.