2 players Grizzlies must trade as Ja Morant situation takes center stage again

Morant came into the league as a highly touted prospect. He became not just the Grizzlies’ franchise player after they took him second overall in 2019, but he quickly looked like one of the future faces of the league. Morant’s vertical leaping ability was the stuff of legend, and he averaged 27.4 points per game as soon as his third season. Morant was named an All-Star in 2021-22 and 2022-23.

However, the years since haven’t been so pretty. After signing a five-year contract extension, Morant has regularly been surrounded by drama. He got into an altercation with the Indiana Pacers team on their bus, and he was suspended after displaying a gun at a nightclub in Colorado on Instagram Live. Not long after, Morant was suspended again for brandishing a gun on Instagram Live. Morant has been plagued by injuries in recent years, too, and his relationship with the Grizzlies seems strained.

That was illustrated earlier this season when Morant was suspended one game yet again because of conduct detrimental to the Grizzlies. Morant was dismissive of head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s criticisms, and now his future in Memphis is in doubt. The problem is that Morant’s trade value isn’t nearly what it once was. In fact, a trade involving Morant would likely secure the Grizzlies much less than they got for Bane or Jackson. The team shopped him at the trade deadline, but nobody showed much interest.

Not only does Morant have medical red flags and a history of misconduct, but some have questioned if his play style can lead to winning. Morant isn’t known for his defense. He is somewhat undersized, and his 3-point shot is streaky. Teams might be hesitant to give much for him, meaning his value to the Grizzlies might be greater than his trade value at this point. If the Grizzlies are blown away by a trade offer, then sure, they should trade him. They might just be better holding onto him and hoping he is revitalized going forward, though. Morant has an All-Star-level skill set; the Grizzlies just need him to get his mind and body right.

The Grizzlies need to trade Brandon Clarke

While there is a route to the Grizzlies keeping Morant, the team should make no choice but to trade Brandon Clarke this offseason, even if it is for a measly return. While there have been a lot of distractions and setbacks in Memphis over the last few years, the team’s biggest problem has been injury issues.

The Grizzlies’ deployment of two-way players and 10-day contract no-names has become commonplace because they have been arguably the most injury-riddled team in the league. Nobody has had more health issues than Clarke. A torn Achilles in 2022-23, a PCL sprain last season, and an arthroscopic procedure to address knee synovitis this past season have limited Clarke to just 72 games played over the past three seasons.

These lower-body injuries have not only prevented Clarke from suiting up when his team needs him, but they have taken a toll on his production when he actually is available, too. After averaging double-digit scoring figures in each of his first five seasons, Clarke hasn’t reached that mark in back-to-back years. His athleticism isn’t what it once was, which takes away from what he does best, which is giving 110% all the time and always doing the dirty work.

The Grizzlies need players who can be counted on to be healthy going forward. Plus, Clarke isn’t worth the $12.5 million he is slated to make. To make matters worse, Clarke was recently arrested. Even if they can’t get much in return for his services, the Grizzlies need to trade Clarke this offseason.