DeMarcus Cousins says it’s ‘time to move on’ — Should the Grizzlies trade Ja Morant?

After two turbulent seasons marked by suspensions, injuries and unmet expectations, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant now finds himself at odds with the franchise — and his future in Memphis may be in question.

Is it time for the two-time All-Star — recently suspended for one game by the team — and the Grizzlies to finally part ways? That’s exactly what former NBA star DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins suggested Monday on the "Run It Back" podcast.

"It's time to move on. This ship has sailed," he said of Morant, who scored 18 points Monday in a 114-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons. "The Grizzlies have made their decisions as to who they are siding with when they decided to suspend Ja Morant. This was a coaching staff that was brought in with a militant style of coaching. It doesn't blend well with everybody, and it doesn't blend well with modern basketball." 

Morant was suspended one game for “conduct detrimental to the team” after a 117–112 loss to the Lakers on Oct. 31. The 26-year-old voiced strong frustration with the coaching staff afterward. This season, he’s shooting just 40.6% from the field and 15.6% from three and averaging 20.8 points, 6.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds — all below his career marks (22.6/7.4/3.3). Under first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo, his production has clearly dipped.

With Morant and Memphis not on the same page, here are potential landing spots for him before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline. He has three years and $126.5M left on his contract, so a deal for him may be difficult to pull off. (All statistics are through Monday's play.)

Phoenix Suns

Kevin Durant (Houston) and Bradley Beal (L.A. Clippers) are gone. But 11-year veteran Devin Booker, who's averaging 30 points, remains for the Suns (3-4). 

Morant would be an excellent partner for Booker, especially on offense. The Suns lack an established star alongside Booker, and Morant's ability to create his own shot and push the offense would help the Suns immensely. 

Sacramento Kings

If Phoenix isn’t an option, another intriguing fit could be Sacramento.

The Kings (2-5) have had no clear direction following last season's trade of De'Aaron Fox to San Antonio. Sacramento filled its point guard void with 32-year-old Dennis Schroder and 36-year-old Russell Westbrook.

Sacramento adding Morant to partner with Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine could make for exciting basketball for Sacramento. 

Miami Heat

The Heat (4-3) have the fastest pace by a team this season with a 108.2 rating, according to John Hollinger's ratings. A speedy guard like Morant would thrive in an offense that pushes the ball like Miami. 

After dealing Jimmy Butler to Golden State, Miami lacks a superstar who can give Heat fans hope of contention in the wide-open Eastern Conference. The pairing of Morant with defensive studs Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware would make life easier for him, especially on pick-and-roll plays. 

The Grizzlies drafted Morant with the No. 2 pick in 2019, and he’s since become one of the NBA’s most electrifying talents — and most polarizing. But with tensions rising in Memphis, he may be worth moving to another team.