It's becoming increasingly apparent that the Sacramento Kings need one heck of a rebuild to get anything going. But to start that ball rolling, the Kings have to find a willing trade partner. Given Ja Morant's apparent dissatisfaction, that might just be the Memphis Grizzlies.
At this point, it doesn't take much to see what the problems with the Kings are. They are an offense-heavy team lacking on defense, rebounding, and playmaking. Even worse, the roster they do have is struggling to find any sense of cohesion, which has been made worse by a series of injuries.
The Kings did make attempts to right some of the issues over the summer, but couldn't seem to pull off any major trades. Because of the big-money contracts on their roster it makes their possible moves somewhat limited. The players they did try to trade, no one seemed to want.
Enter the Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant has been the face of the Grizzlies for a few seasons now. There was a point when they looked like legitimate contenders, then Ja's personal issues and injuries caught up with the team. The front office followed that by trading away key players like Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams.
Since getting healthy and putting those bad choices behind him, Ja has continued to be a threat on the court. The Grizzlies have not. After stripping the team down, they have failed to build up anything new around the explosive and talented player.
"According to them, probably don't play me, honestly. That's basically what the message was. It's cool."Ja Morant
This has reputedly led to incredible friction between Ja and the Grizzlies' coaching staff. After losing to the Lakers, Morant had some comments for the press that came from a place of obvious frustration. The implication was that the coaches might see him as the problem with the team. The front office echoed that by suspending him for one game for his comments.
The Kings have an opening
If the Grizzlies are, in fact, looking to get out of the Ja Morant business, it presents an opportunity the Kings have been waiting for. Specifically, Memphis could be the trade partner Sacramento needs to start the rebuilding process.
They tried to move DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Devin Carter in the offseason to no avail. If they are willing to be flexible on who is in the trade on their end, they could make a play for Ja. They need a better point guard, and Ja seems to be looking for new scenery to look at on his way to work.
Plus, there's no harm in making a play for Jaren Jackson Jr., a two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year. Zach Edey also presents an opportunity for the Kings to get a young center who can score and block shots. There is real potential here, depending on how negotiations go.