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Should Jaren Jackson Jr Request A Trade Away From Memphis?
Should Jaren Jackson Jr Request A Trade Away From Memphis?
It feels like everything is on the table for the Memphis Grizzlies heading into the offseason. Some of which is outside of their control because Ja Morant simply has impulse control problems. Memphis has suspended Morant again after he flashed ANOTHER gun on Instagram Live. Changes will be made this offseason and if I’m a player on that Grizzlies team, Morant is gone or I am. End of story. Will Jaren Jackson Jr. be one of the players to ask out?
Jackson has three years remaining on his contract prior to becoming a UFA in 2026. We also know that doesn’t really matter in the NBA. Kevin Durant just asked out after having four years remaining on his deal and got his wish. We know how this league works. A star player will grow unhappy and rival teams will bid for his services.
This Morant suspension should change everything. Whether or not Morant steps on the court again should be irrelevant. The Grizzlies point guard can no longer be trusted to lead a franchise. Bottom line, end of story. Every day that goes by Morant slowly starts to morph into a more irresponsible off the court version of Russell Westbrook. It’s not like it can be super surprising considering that we should have known he was heading down a dark path the second Morant declared Westbrook his idol. We knew years ago he had poor judgement and now it’s really starting to surface.
If the Grizzlies are steadfast on making things right with Morant, star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. should say goodbye to Memphis. We’re also talking about one of the smallest markets in the NBA. If the Grizzlies aren’t competing at the highest level, Jaren should be taking his talents elsewhere anyway.
I’ll be the first to admit; I haven’t read the new CBA yet. I’m not sure all of those details are even out yet. With that in mind, we may have to navigate new circumstances when it comes to forecasting a trade. Again, right now there are more questions than answers and until this Morant thing is resolved, there is a lot we don’t know. However, I’m not sure it should change Jackson’s mindset. At this point, Morant is never going to get it and star talents should have no reason to put up with this nonsense.
Several teams will vie for Jackson Jr. That much is certain. If the former Michigan State product does push for a new landing spot, the Celtics could become factors. There have been signs that point to Jackson wanting to play there in the past.
Could a trade package of Grant Williams, Payton Pritchard, Danilo Gallinari, and a package of picks be enough to entice the Grizzlies if Jaren wants out? Grant Williams likely wouldn’t mind returning to Tennessee where he played his college ball and Pritchard would be a nice point guard option if Morant misses extensive time. It’s something to ponder.
Of course, we’re talking about a guy who just won the DPOY award (something Jackson correctly called). There will be a number of suitors if Jackson does reach the trade market.
Ultimately, decisions will have to be made and every player in the Grizz locker room will have to look themselves in the mirror. Do they trust Ja Morant? If not, will management take a bold step in moving on from the star point guard? Regardless of what happens, it surely will have a trickle effect down to the rest of the roster. If Jaren Jackson Jr. is unhappy with whatever is to come, he should consider asking out like so many stars before him.
