The Sacramento Kings are reportedly the team most engaged in acquiring Memphis guard Ja Morant, according to Kevin O’Connor, who tweeted Wednesday, February 4. Sacramento sees Morant as a high-upside player capable of regaining star form with a change of scenery, while the Miami Heat are also involved in discussions.
Sources cited by Kelly Iko indicate that the Grizzlies are not approaching trade talks with Morant in the same manner as past negotiations with stars like James Harden or Giannis Antetokounmpo. Memphis is focused on securing the best deal strictly for the organization rather than negotiating around the player’s preferences.
Morant is in the third year of a five-year, $197 million contract, adding complexity to any potential trade given his high salary and All-Star-level production. The Grizzlies face a depleted roster tonight against Sacramento, sitting at 19-29 and 11th in the Western Conference, while the Kings are last in the standings at 12-39.
Memphis will be without Morant due to a left elbow UCL sprain, along with Brandon Clarke (right calf strain) and newly acquired players Kyle Anderson, Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, and Georges Niang. Santi Aldama is questionable with a right knee issue, and Scotty Pippen Jr. remains doubtful as he continues recovering from left great toe surgery.
Sacramento enters the matchup missing Keegan Murray (left ankle sprain) and two-way G League players Daeqwon Plowden and Isaiah Stevens. Domantas Sabonis is listed as questionable with lower back soreness. The Kings have struggled, enduring a nine-game losing streak, including a 112-116 loss to Washington on February 1 and a 93-112 defeat against Boston on January 30.
Recent roster moves have shifted both teams’ dynamics. Memphis sent Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz, receiving Anderson, Clayton Jr., Hendricks, Niang, and three first-round picks in return. Sacramento acquired De’Andre Hunter from a three-team trade involving Chicago and Cleveland.
Head-to-head this season, Memphis has won both meetings, 137-96 at home and 115-107 in Sacramento, giving the Grizzlies a psychological edge heading into Wednesday’s contest.
