Kings a likely destination for Ja Morant (and it will cost them)

After the events of the last week or so, it's become quite evident that Ja Morant's time in Memphis is coming to an end sooner or later. The NBA rumor mill is currently projecting the Sacramento Kings as a likely landing spot. If true, it could be good for Sactown, but cost the team at least one big name.

In case you've been living under a rock, Ja Morant recently aired some grievances with the current coaching staff of the Grizzlies in an exceedingly public fashion. Shockingly, the front office wasn't happy with that and suspended him for one game due to his conduct.

This isn't why he is potentially being traded. It's more of a 'straw that broke the camel's back situation.' Between injuries and personal drama, Morant hasn't been the best team leader. Plus, the Grizzlies have traded away pretty much everyone else from the successful roster they built around Ja.

Tensions between Morant and head coach Tuomas Lisalo have been bubbling all season, and it's becoming increasingly unlikely they will work things out. It all comes down to who the organization wants to keep. More and more insiders think the Grizzlies want to move on from Morant.

Ja to the Kings will cost a pretty penny

As is often the case, the Kings have come up in the conversation. Everyone remotely involved in the NBA knows Sacramento is looking for any opportunity to rework their roster. Considering the fact that the Grizzlies are motivated to move Morant makes them a likely trade partner.

But Ja won't come cheap. He's in the middle of a five-year contract worth just a shade under $200 million. He would be an unrestricted free agent in 2028. Oddly enough, his average annual salary is actually lower than what the Kings are currently paying Zach LaVine.

In this case, it's less about money than it is about what the Grizzlies want from the Kings. The most likely trade is LaVine, due to comparable salaries and the fact that he's a reliable shooter for Memphis. In Morant, Sacramento gets a dynamic young point guard to energize the roster.

Again, this is all rumor at this point. The Grizzlies are definitely frustrated with Morant, and the feeling seems to be mutual. It's looking more like a Jimmy Butler and Miami Heat situation every day. A breakup seems inevitable, but it's not a thing until it's a thing. The Kings just need to be ready.