The Rockets and Grizzlies may be in the process of a blockbuster trade to discuss a 7-for-1 deal to welcome superstar Ja Morant.
With a new collective bargaining agreement on the horizon in the NBA, the Houston Rockets, who have about $60 million in salary cap space in the offseason, are on the verge of a big deal.
Based on salary cap expert and renowned Rockets blogger David Weiner on the Lag Line podcast, and given the size of the Rockets' market size and projected spending, it's not hard to see that the Rockets will sign the Grizzlies' Ja Morant.
As we all know, Ja Morant has been through a lot in the 2022-23 season. Because he was embroiled in controversy all year long. Almost in Memphis, the Grizzlies went from being a darling to an NBA villain.
The Grizzlies went from favorites to first-round eliminations. So the Grizzlies are bound to make big changes this summer. Morant became the biggest culprit of the team's loss and will also be the first to be traded.
To get the right trade offer, the Grizzlies will send Morant to the Houston Rockets. The specific transaction content is as follows:
1. The Memphis Grizzlies obtained: Kevin Porter Jr., Jayshawn Tate, Alperon Shenjing, 2023 first-round pick (provided by the Rockets), 2024 first-round pick (provided by the Nets), 2025 first-round pick swap (provided by the Nets or Rockets) and 2026 first-round picks (provided by the Rockets);
2. Houston Rockets receive: Ja Morant
Frankly, the deal hinges on whether the Rockets want to compete for a championship next season. If the Rockets don't get the first pick, the deal is likely to be made. In fact, the Rockets may not trade Victor Winbanyama's draft pick directly for Morant, but if they don't draw the first pick, just drawing the top pick should interest the Grizzlies.
Since Morant is a future superstar, the Rockets need to pay a price. At least a chance to improve your regular season results to the top five in the league.
For the Grizzlies, rookie Amen Thompson or Brandon Miller could be selected with the Rockets' first-round pick this year. This also means that the Grizzlies have started rebuilding mode, but the rewards have been handsome. Not only three starters, first-round picks and exchange rights.
Should the Rockets give up so much for Morant? If the Rockets continue to prioritize talent, they should be happy to trade Morant. Because Morant and Jaylen Green will make up the NBA's most athletic backcourt.
If the Rockets pick picks second, Scout Henderson could be selected. Either way, Morant's addition should help the Rockets get a decent playoff spot. I believe the Rockets will have an even crazier season next year.
