The NBA trade deadline is looming, and things are heating up fast-especially in Minnesota and Memphis. On Tuesday, the Timberwolves made a surprising move that sent veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. packing in a three-team deal that ultimately landed him with the Charlotte Hornets via the Chicago Bulls. That leaves Anthony Edwards and the Wolves suddenly thin in the backcourt, just as the playoff race starts to tighten.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies are making it clear: it’s rebuild time.
After trading away former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, Memphis is signaling a full reset. And the next domino could be Ja Morant. According to reports, Morant and his camp are involved in discussions about potential landing spots-and they’ve made one thing known: Sacramento is not on the list.
Morant reportedly has zero interest in joining the Kings, who currently sit at the bottom of the league standings. Instead, his eyes are on two teams with playoff aspirations and the kind of infrastructure that could help him bounce back-namely, the Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It’s a fascinating development. Morant has only suited up for 20 games this season due to injury, and when he has played, the numbers haven’t quite looked like the explosive guard we’re used to.
He’s averaging 19.5 points per game, but on a career-low 41 percent shooting. That’s not the Ja Morant who electrified fans with high-flying finishes and fearless drives just a couple seasons ago.
But here’s the thing: Morant’s talent hasn’t disappeared. Sometimes, a change of scenery-and the right supporting cast-can reignite a player’s fire.
Pairing him with a rising star like Anthony Edwards in Minnesota could be a game-changer. Edwards is already one of the most dynamic young scorers in the league, and adding Morant’s playmaking and downhill pressure could give the Wolves a backcourt duo that’s as explosive as any in the league.
Of course, there are questions. Can Morant stay healthy?
Can he find his rhythm in a new system? And what would Minnesota have to give up to make it happen?
But if the Timberwolves are serious about contending-and Tuesday’s trade suggests they are-they’ll at least have to consider the possibility.
With just 24 hours left until the deadline, the Grizzlies are on the clock. And if Morant is truly on the move, the next chapter of his career could be written alongside Anthony Edwards-or under the bright lights in Miami.
Either way, buckle up. The trade deadline drama is just getting started.