The Dallas Mavericks have completed a three-team trade involving two of the NBA’s biggest stars; the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. This is arguably the biggest trade in league history. The biggest story from this trade is the Mavericks moving on from Doncic. The 25-year-old was the franchise’s cornerstone, widely recognized as one of the brightest young superstars in the NBA. Many regarded him as one of the league’s best players globally. They expected him to become the face of the Mavericks for years to come.
This trade shocked the NBA and will likely go down as one of the most unexpected moves in the league’s history. With this shocking trade, it’s worth wondering if other stars could be traded either at the deadline or in the offseason.
Loyalty in the NBA Only Goes So Far
Doncic’s trade is proof that loyalty in the NBA has limits. Teams build personal relationships and form bonds, but at the end of the day, the league operates as a business. Without a no-trade clause, teams can trade any player—regardless of their stature or connection with the fanbase. Despite fans and teammates adoring Doncic, the Mavericks made the stunning decision to trade him in the middle of the season.
This move raises a critical question: If the Mavericks were willing to trade Doncic, could the Memphis Grizzlies do the same with Ja Morant? What would it take for them to consider moving on from their franchise star?
Is There a Price for Ja Morant?
Since the Grizzlies drafted him in 2019, Morant has led the team. He has built a strong connection with Memphis fans through his on-court success. However, he has also faced some off-the-court controversies. Similarly, Doncic formed a deep bond with Mavericks fans and the city of Dallas, but the Mavericks still traded him. The harsh reality is that if there was a price for Doncic, there must be a price for Morant.
That being said, it’s unlikely Memphis management would make the same mistake Dallas did. Trading their young superstar for an aging player and just one first-round pick is a poor decision. The Grizzlies understand the value of a player like Morant. Past trades involving players like Mikal Bridges and Rudy Gobert saw multiple first-round picks exchanged. These deals set a high benchmark for star players. If Memphis were ever to move on from Morant, the return would have to be even greater than what the Mavericks received for Doncic.
Morant’s inconsistency in staying on the court, combined with his off-the-court issues could eventually force the franchise to consider moving on from him. Additionally, Memphis has struggled to take the next step toward becoming a legitimate championship contender. If these factors persist, the team may have to weigh their options. However, as long as Morant stays out of trouble and continues playing at an elite level, a trade remains highly unlikely. Instead, the most probable move would be finding a second bona fide superstar to play alongside him.
A Wake-Up Call for Morant?
Morant could also view the Doncic trade as a warning. There were moments in the past when the Grizzlies could have been justified in moving on from him due to his off-the-court issues. He was involved in multiple incidents where he appeared with firearms. Another controversial situation occurred in February 2023, when Morant and his associates allegedly got into an altercation with a member of the Pacers’ staff.
Morant’s suspension to start the 2023-24 season came after he flashed a firearm on Instagram Live. At that moment, the Grizzlies had valid reasons to consider trading him. However, they ultimately chose to stand by their star, and now he is back on the court leading the way. Memphis currently sits second in the Western Conference, and as long as Morant remains focused, his future with the franchise appears secure.
