As the tension between Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies rises, a trade seems more and more probable with the Sacramento Kings being a likely landing spot. But the Kings have to do their due diligence on this one because Ja's health, attitude, and weak defense are huge issues.
The Kings need to make moves. Everyone and their dog knows that. Their borderline nonexistent defensive presence makes it hard to sustain any offensive momentum. As such, they tend to lose a lot of close games. Sacramento can score, just not well enough to overcome their lack of defense.
That's what makes getting a defensive powerhouse like Precious Achiuwa on the roster such a big deal. If the Kings start putting out a line with him, Keon Ellis, Keegan Murray, Dennis Schroder, and Drew Eubanks on the court, they could actually slow down the opposition.
With Ja Morant potentially being traded, that is another opportunity worth exploring. His explosive attacks are incredible, and could provide the energy the Kings' offense needs. But this is also a buyer beware situation as the Young King travels with plenty of baggage.
Ja Morant has big ups and equally big downs
Everyone remembers Morant's issues with flashing guns in Instagram a couple of seasons ago, which led to a long suspension from the league. He continues to have attitude issues and got a more recent one game suspension from the Grizzlies for his behavior, both in the locker room and in the media.
Morant also has significant durability issues. His no holds barred, go for broke style of play is amazing to watch. It also leads to frequent injuries, meaning he tends to ride the bench a lot. Combine that with his suspensions, and you start wondering if he sits out more than he plays.
On top of that, Ja's game has serious holes in it. He's a weak outside shooter, and the same style of play that cause injuries also creates too many turnovers. On top of that, he's not a particularly good defender, especially when he's away from the ball. Morant loses focus fast in those situations.
If the Kings bring him in, he could be good for the team's offensive energy and continuity. At the same time, Sacramento needs to decide if the negatives outweigh the positives, something the rest of the league is also doing. Ja has the tools to be incredible. He just has to put them to good use.