With recent trade rumors surrounding All-Star guard Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies have begun considering trade proposals ahead of the February 5 deadline.
Meanwhile, in speaking with UnitedWeCast, Ric Bucher and former NBA center Brendan Haywood discussed Morant’s value and his perfect fit for the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with superstar Anthony Edwards.
“Minnesota needs another playmaker to go along with Ant. We’ve talked about this. And if the price is low, I don’t like it, if the price is low on guys like Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, I think that’s when you buy in,” Haywood said.
Haywood also compared it to the recent huge trade of Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, talking about the value.
“That’s why I think what the Wizards did was great. If the price is low on Trae Young, okay, if you’re wrong, so what? If the price is low, yeah, if the price is low on Ja Morant and Minnesota takes a swing like the Washington Wizards did. And let’s just say they’re wrong,” he added.
Aside from its value, they consider veteran point guard Mike Conley’s age, which necessitates a more aggressive backcourt.
“Mike Conley’s getting older. You can tell they need another guy that can take pressure off Ant Edwards, who was playing incredible, incredible basketball. But they need enough. They need another guy that when this game slows down in the postseason. If I can just tell, we’ll move Julius Randell,” Haywood explained.
The 2020 Rookie of the Year is averaging 19 points, 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists, while shooting 40.1% from the field.
Morant was sidelined for now due to a calf injury, but available for trade this season.
