By the way, if they are willing to trade Ja it definitely indicates the Grizz are trying to avoid the second apron and don't want to be as close to hitting it as they are. Get on the phone with them about JJJ
Fox wanted to play in SA from what was reported. I wanted him too. Ja will cost more then Fox unfortunately. I don't agree with it but I certainly would take Ja
I don't know if I want to lock in on Ja as our starting point guard. He gets hurt too much and who knows when he's going to get in trouble again--real "you're a dumbass" type of issues there. I think Amen might be able to come close to his offensive production in a year or three without the baggage. Might be different if Morant was a healthy, reliable guy like Fox mostly has been. Or if he was a really good shooter so that he could easily play alongside Amen and/or Alpi without generating even more spacing issues. But with both of those being problems? I don't know, man...
I don't know how true it is but Grizzlies fans say he's matured A LOT. Like he's taking a step back to share the ball more. He doesn't dunk as entertainingly as he used to in order to avoid injuries. He's playing better defense and being a better leader. I do agree with you his past issues make me wonder if I want to take that risk, but damn. If he's over his injuries and has become more of a team player, it's intriguing.
There is also the question of what we are trading for Ja. Ideally, you’re able to keep Amen and Sengun. There’s your “big 3.” But those three are a bit of a weird fit, and spacing will be rough. Still, though, I’d be pretty intrigued.
I think the maturity issues they are talking about concern illegal activities on social media, fighting with/pulling guns on teenage neighbors, etc., not his new willingness to pass the ball to teammates.
Yes yes, inclusive of all that stuff, they seem to think he's made great strides. Again, from the mouth of one Grizzlies fan, can't verify.
I predict we trade for Trae Young or one of the Phoenix guys this offseason. What I’m really curious about is if we go after Harden or Kyrie, who are both potential free agents and both all stars at a big position of need.
Sengun+Cam+Suns 2025+2029+2031 for Morant. Acquire Naz Reid. Reid/Adams/Jock Smith/Reid Amen/Eason Green/Reed Ja/FVV
I got it. Sengun + Half the draft pick stock pile for Jokic. Green + Half the draft pick stock pile for Edwards. Re-sign VanVleet to a team friendly deal. PG - VanVleet / FA / Sheppard SG - Edwards / Whitmore SF - Thompson / Brooks PF - Eason / Smith Jr. ..C - Jokic / Adams
I'm surprised you would be intrigued. Let's say he has matured and we don't have to worry about off-court issues. Do we trade Jalen for him? He does nothing to solve our spacing issues, but he is a better finisher and mid-range shooter than Jalen. I just don't really see the fit. It would be smarter to wait on Jalen to further develop as an outside shooter than to take on the risk of Morant. JJJ or even Bane would be a much greater acquisition, but I don't think either is available. Memphis can't afford 3 max players (like most teams) and that is why Morant is even on the trade block. It definitely says something if they are putting him on the trade block ahead of Bane.
I'm not sure, but it's definitely intriguing. I wouldn't be worried about Jalen as much as Sengun to be honest. Jalen is the best shooter of the 4. Sengun is a poor fit with them. I don't usually say that because I know Sengun has built a lot more credibility than Jalen, but in this kind of scenario it's a particularly bad fit. Let's say we somehow keep everyone and acquire Morant. There would be 3 perimeter guys who play a similar style and need spacing. They also need their C to be a lob threat or shooter. I think Sengun would struggle in that role because Ime will go by the best players preferences ultimately. Amen, Ja and Sengun can't be contenders even with 2 elite shooters imo. We'd end up the Suns, lots of talent but poorly constructed. If Sengun learns to shoot that would change things but then wouldn't it have worked without Ja anyway? Maybe. Interesting it's an option. Like you, would prefer JJJ though.
Jalen Green+Alpi+Reed Sheppard+2025 suns first for Bane, JJJ,Kennard. JJJ/Adams/Jock Smith/Eason Amen/Cam Bane/Kennard FVV/Amen
