Tensions Rising in Memphis, Trade Winds Swirling Across the League
The situation in Memphis didn’t collapse overnight - it just finally came into focus.
According to league sources, the tension between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies reached a critical point back in late October. That’s when Morant was handed a one-game suspension by the team, a move that signaled more than just a disciplinary action - it marked the beginning of a deeper rift.
The breaking point reportedly came after a loss to the Lakers. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo challenged Morant’s leadership and effort in the aftermath, and Morant didn’t take it lightly. He pushed back, and while that kind of exchange might be standard in some locker rooms, it didn’t land well with Memphis leadership.
What followed was more than just a disagreement - it fractured the locker room. Some players stood behind their star guard, while others aligned with the coaching staff.
That kind of split can be hard to recover from, especially when it involves the face of the franchise. While Morant never formally requested a trade, sources indicate he made it clear behind closed doors that he didn’t see a viable path forward with the team following the suspension.
Naturally, that’s drawn interest from around the league. The Miami Heat are reportedly still intrigued by the possibility of adding Morant, and the Sacramento Kings are monitoring the situation as well.
But there’s a caveat with Sacramento - they’re only willing to get involved if the asking price drops significantly. Right now, they’re not offering draft capital, which could limit how far those talks go.
Pelicans Eyeing Mathurin, Pacers Checking on Missi
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are doing some scouting of their own. They’ve expressed interest in Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin, a player whose athleticism and scoring upside continue to draw attention across the league.
Indiana, on the other hand, has reportedly inquired about second-year center Yves Missi. That opens the door to a potential framework for a deal involving both players, though nothing is imminent at this stage. These are exploratory talks - more about feeling out value and fit than hammering out specifics.
Still, the fact that both sides are engaging suggests there’s at least some mutual interest in finding common ground. For the Pelicans, adding a dynamic wing like Mathurin could bolster their rotation. For Indiana, Missi offers size, rim protection, and long-term upside - the kind of profile that fits their developmental timeline.
Lakers Shopping for a Wing, Vanderbilt and Vincent on the Table
Out in Los Angeles, the Lakers are in the market for a wing upgrade, and they’re willing to put some pieces on the table to make it happen.
Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent have both been made available in trade discussions, as the Lakers look to reshape their rotation and add more perimeter versatility. The key question is what kind of value those players - and any accompanying draft compensation - can bring back.
One of the sticking points? The pick in play is deep into the future, and not every team is eager to wait that long for a return. That could limit what the Lakers are able to do unless they’re willing to sweeten the pot or find a team with a more immediate need for veteran depth.
Still, with the trade deadline approaching and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, expect the Lakers to stay active. They know they need to make a move if they want to keep pace, and they’ve got a few chips on the table. Whether they’re enough to land a difference-maker remains to be seen.
Bottom Line
From Memphis to Miami, New Orleans to L.A., the trade chatter is heating up - and with it, the pressure on front offices to make the right calls. Whether it’s a fractured relationship in Memphis, a potential young-talent swap between Indiana and New Orleans, or the Lakers trying to tweak their roster on the margins, the next few weeks could reshape multiple playoff pictures.
Stay tuned. The NBA’s midseason maneuvering is just getting started.