Could the Suns Pair Ja Morant with Devin Booker? A High-Stakes Trade Proposal That Could Reshape the West
In the NBA, the trade market rarely plays out the way it looks on paper. Fit, timing, leverage - those are the real drivers.
Not just talent, not just need. And right now, one of the most intriguing names floating around the rumor mill is Ja Morant.
Even with the Memphis Grizzlies projecting calm, league executives are watching closely. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Memphis has told teams it’s “very comfortable” keeping Morant past the February 5 trade deadline.
That could be genuine conviction. It could be posturing.
Most likely, it’s a bit of both.
But that uncertainty is exactly what keeps scenarios like this alive.
The Big Swing: Suns Land Ja Morant
Proposed Deal:
- Phoenix Suns receive: Ja Morant
- Memphis Grizzlies receive: Jalen Green, Nick Richards
Let’s be clear - this isn’t your typical blockbuster. There’s no first-round pick involved.
On the surface, it doesn’t follow the usual blueprint for trading a franchise point guard. But this isn’t a typical market, and Morant isn’t in a typical situation.
Why Memphis Would Consider It
In a vacuum, this trade might seem light. A 24-year-old All-Star-caliber guard like Morant usually commands a bigger haul. But the context here matters.
Morant’s trade value isn’t what it used to be. Injuries have limited his availability, and his shooting - just 23.5% from three this season - continues to complicate roster construction.
Through 20 games, he’s averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in 28.5 minutes while shooting 41.0% from the field. The talent is still there - no question.
He’s already turned in some standout performances since returning, including a 24-point, 13-assist game against Orlando and a 23-point, 12-assist outing versus Atlanta. That’s the version of Morant that keeps teams interested.
That’s the version that still gives Memphis leverage.
But the Grizzlies have to think long-term. If they’re unsure Morant can stay on the floor consistently - or that his style can anchor a sustainable contender - then pivoting toward flexibility makes sense.
Enter Jalen Green.
Green is younger, raw, and still inconsistent. But he offers upside.
He’s explosive, he fits a rebuilding timeline, and he’s the kind of player a team can dream on. For Memphis, the bet here is that Green’s ceiling could eventually be more valuable than a late first-round pick - which is likely all they’d get from Phoenix down the line anyway.
If Morant’s market doesn’t bounce back, this could be their best shot at a reset.
Why Phoenix Would Roll the Dice
For the Suns, this is all about upside - and urgency.
They’re in win-now mode. Their draft capital is mostly spoken for, and their roster flexibility is limited.
If they want to make a meaningful leap, it’ll have to come through a bold move. Acquiring a depreciated star like Morant could be that move.
Right now, Phoenix has talent, but the backcourt fit isn’t ideal. Jalen Green - while promising - overlaps too much with Devin Booker.
Both are score-first guards who need the ball to thrive. Neither is a true table-setter.
That kind of redundancy can stall an offense, especially in the playoffs.
Morant, despite his flaws, brings something different. He’s a true engine.
His rim pressure forces defenses to collapse. His passing opens up the floor.
He gives Phoenix a new dimension - one that could unlock Booker even more by allowing him to play off the ball and hunt shots against rotating defenses instead of initiating every possession.
It’s not without risk. Morant’s health and off-court history are real concerns.
But the reward? A faster, more dynamic offense that’s much harder to scheme against.
In a Western Conference that’s as deep and competitive as ever, that edge could be the difference between another early exit and a real shot at a title.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Morant
The NBA isn’t about positions anymore - it’s about talent. The best teams identify elite players and build around them.
Morant, even with the bumps in the road, is still one of the most electric guards in the league. His ability to bend defenses and create chaos is rare.
That’s why teams are still circling. That’s why Memphis is still holding firm. And that’s why a deal like this - unconventional as it may be - lives in the space between risk and opportunity.
If Memphis pulls the trigger, they’re betting on a new direction, one built around flexibility and long-term upside. If Phoenix makes the move, they’re betting that Morant can be the missing piece - the engine that takes them from contender to championship threat.
Two teams. Two guards. Two very different visions of the future.
And one trade that could change everything.