Overview
- Memphis explored trades, including inquiries from Miami, and sought a first-round pick plus a young player, but no deal emerged before Feb. 5.
- ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon said teams characterized Morant’s market as negative, meaning the Grizzlies would have to attach assets to move him.
- Morant is in year three of a five-year, $197 million deal with about two seasons and $87 million remaining.
- He has played 20 of Memphis’ first 49 games and has been out since Jan. 21 with a left elbow strain after logging only nine games last season due to a 25-game suspension and shoulder surgery.
- He is averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists on 41.0% shooting and 23.5% from three, and insiders say he must return and play at an excellent level to rebuild trade value.