Massive Ja Morant for Zion Williamson Trade Idea

This trade idea between the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans was proposed
Massive Ja Morant for Zion Williamson Trade Idea
Massive Ja Morant for Zion Williamson Trade Idea /

In a recent article from Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley, one trade for every NBA team's worst contract was proposed. In a shocking trade idea from this article, a deal between the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans that swaps Ja Morant for Zion Williamson was proposed.

While Buckley admitted that Morant's contract is not necessarily a bad one, and any deal involving the Grizzlies star is hard to fathom even in the hypothetical realm, the entire returning package was quite the haul. Getting back Williamson and two future first round picks, the Grizzlies would be swapping the second-overall pick in 2019 NBA draft for the first-overall pick in that draft, plus two future firsts.

As noted in the original article, this particular deal was one of the more jarring inclusions, and for good reason. While this return for Morant is significant, Williamson's availability issues make dealing someone much more reliable a very hard sell. Since entering the league at the same time, Morant has played 134 more games than Williamson, and while they play different positions, their per game production has been very similar.

For all of the reasons mentioned, it seems very unlikely Memphis would have any interest in this deal, even with Morant's behavior issues that were noted in the original article. Williamson is incredible, and will be every bit of a superstar if he can stay healthy, but Morant has been much more reliable so far - even with his off the court issues.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.