Ja Morant's reported trade value puts Grizzlies against the wall

For the second time in as many years, the Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant aren't seeing eye-to-eye.

They shockingly fired head coach Taylor Jenkins last season because Morant reportedly didn't feel comfortable with his offense. Now, he's also feuding with new HC Tuomas Iisalo. 

Morant hasn't requested to be traded, but given his latest comments about the coaching staff and one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, the writing is already on the wall. The problem, however, is that the Grizzlies might not receive the type of return they could expect in a trade.

Ja Morant's trade value isn't as high as desired

Usually, a 26-year-old former No. 2 pick and former All-Star point guard would go at a prime value. But according to ESPN salary-cap expert Bobby Marks, that may not be the case.

"As for what a possible return for Morant could look like, one team executive ESPN talked to pointed to the 2023 trade that sent Kyrie Irving from the Nets to the Dallas Mavericks," Marks wrote. "In that deal, the Nets received Spencer Dinwiddie, Finney-Smith, a 2029 unprotected first-round pick and two second-rounders."

The fact that Morant would be traded for the same return as a player five years older, who was on an expiring deal and the team desperately wanted to get rid of, speaks volumes about his value around the NBA right now.

Not many teams require a point guard right now, and those who do, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets, can't trade a first-round pick this year due to the CBA. Disgruntled stars are rarely traded for as much as they're actually worth. Given Morant's history of insubordination, injuries and off-court issues, it's hard to believe the Grizzlies will receive much in return for his services.