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NBA Insider Howard Beck Suggests Grizzlies Might Trade Ja Morant This Summer if Playoff Run Falls Short

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NBA Insider Howard Beck Suggests Grizzlies Might Trade Ja Morant This Summer if Playoff Run Falls Short

Could the Memphis Grizzlies really trade Ja Morant this summer? According to NBA insider Howard Beck, some league executives believe it’s a possibility if Memphis flames out early in the playoffs.

Speaking on The Ringer’s Real Ones podcast, Beck revealed that Morant’s name has been mentioned in trade discussions behind closed doors. While nothing is set in stone, some teams are already “keeping an eye on Ja this summer” in case the Grizzlies decide to make a major shift.

Why Would Memphis Even Consider This?
Trading Ja would be a shocking move. Despite past off-court issues, Morant has returned to action this season and looked like the star we all know he is. Since overcoming a serious shoulder injury that cut his 2023 campaign short, he’s averaging 20.7 points, 7.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.

Granted, these aren’t quite All-Star numbers, but let’s not forget he’s still working his way back to full form. Plus, the Grizzlies have been thriving with him at the helm, sitting second in the West (36-18) under coach Taylor Jenkins.

Yet, availability remains a concern. Morant has already missed 22 games this season, and some within the organization could be wondering if they should cash in now before injuries and mileage take a toll.

Grizzlies Star for Life or the Next Big Move?
If Memphis were to actually move on from Ja, it would send shockwaves across the league. A talent like his doesn’t become available often, and plenty of teams would be ready to jump at the opportunity.

But let’s be real does this really feel like the right time? The Grizzlies are built around their young core of Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., and they have a legit shot at contending in the near future.

Unless something dramatic happens in the playoffs, it’s tough to imagine Memphis pulling the trigger. But in the NBA, no one is ever truly untouchable and this summer could be very interesting. 👀🔥

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Jimmy Butler’s Instant Impact: How He Transformed the Warriors—And Every Team He’s Joined

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Jimmy Butler’s Instant Impact: How He Transformed the Warriors—And Every Team He’s Joined

Since joining the Golden State Warriors on February 8, 2025, Jimmy Butler III has wasted no time making his presence felt.

In just over a month, the Warriors have gone 13-2, the second-best record in the NBA during that span, including a six-game winning streak leading into their matchup against the New York Knicks on Saturday.

Before Butler’s arrival, Golden State struggled when its stars weren’t on the floor. The Warriors were outscored by 90 points without Stephen Curry and by 98 when Draymond Green was off the court. But since Butler’s debut, those numbers have flipped—the team is now +33 without Curry and +39 without Green showcasing his immediate impact on both ends of the floor.

This isn’t the first time Butler has provided an instant boost. His adaptability and leadership have made him a game-changer from day one at every stop in his career. Let’s take a look at how he made his mark in his first month with each of his previous teams.


Chicago Bulls (2011-12 Season)

Drafted 30th overall in 2011, Butler entered the league in a lockout-shortened season and saw limited playing time off the bench. He averaged 2.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in his first month.

Despite Butler’s modest stats, the Derrick Rose-led Bulls started strong, going 11-4 in Butler’s first 15 games. Chicago finished the season 50-16, earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the second straight year.


Minnesota Timberwolves (2017-18 Season)

In June 2017, Butler was traded to Minnesota, reuniting with former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau and joining young stars Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Butler made his Timberwolves debut on October 18, 2017, and quickly became the team’s leader, averaging 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in his first month. Minnesota went 10-5 during that stretch, setting the tone for their best season in over a decade.

With Butler leading the way, the Timberwolves finished 47-35, snapping their 13-year playoff drought, which was the longest in the NBA at the time.


Philadelphia 76ers (2018-19 Season)

On November 12, 2018, Butler was traded to Philadelphia and made his debut two days later.

In his first month with the 76ers, he averaged 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, helping Philadelphia to an 11-4 record in that span.

One of Butler’s standout performances came on November 25 against the Brooklyn Nets, when he erupted for 34 points and 12 rebounds, sealing a 127-125 victory with a clutch game-winning three-pointer with just 2.3 seconds left.

The Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons-led 76ers went on to finish 51-31, securing the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.


Miami Heat (2019-20 Season)

Butler signed with Miami on July 6, 2019, and made an immediate impact. In his first 15 games, he averaged 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, helping the Heat start 12-3.

His leadership and gritty play helped shape the Heat’s identity, ultimately leading them to the NBA Finals in the 2020 Bubble Season, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.


A History of Quick Impact

Wherever Butler has gone, his toughness, leadership, and two-way play have turned teams around almost instantly. Now, with the Warriors surging, he’s proving once again that his presence alone can change a team’s fortunes.

As Golden State continues its playoff push, Butler’s first-month magic may be just the beginning of another deep postseason run.

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Washington Wizards Risk Sabotaging Their Offseason with Untimely Wins

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Washington Wizards Risk Sabotaging Their Offseason with Untimely Wins

The Washington Wizards are heading into one of their most crucial offseasons in recent memory as they continue their rebuild from the ground up.

However, their recent winning streak could jeopardize their long-term future.

Lack of a True Franchise Cornerstone

At the heart of the Wizards’ struggles is the absence of a true franchise player to build around.

Last year, they selected Alex Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick, hoping he would become a key piece for the future.

Unfortunately, Sarr has yet to meet expectations, struggling in Summer League and failing to capitalize on his strengths during his rookie season.

While it’s too early to completely write him off, there are growing concerns that Washington may have drafted a role player rather than a star.

Despite this, the basketball gods have seemingly given Washington another chance. They currently hold the worst record in the NBA, putting them in prime position to land the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft.

However, if they aren’t careful, they could lose their grip on the top selection.

Winning at the Wrong Time

While winning is always enjoyable, the Wizards are picking the worst possible time to go on a hot streak.

They’ve gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, including wins against the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons two teams also in contention for the top pick.

With highly-touted prospects like Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey available, and the possibility of Cooper Flagg declaring, securing the No. 1 pick should be Washington’s priority.

However, their recent victories have tightened the race for the league’s worst record.

The Utah Jazz, now just half a game behind Washington, could leapfrog them in the standings.

If Utah were to land the top pick, the prospect of playing for Danny Ainge a Boston Celtics legend and respected executive might entice Flagg to declare, potentially costing Washington a generational talent.

A Chance to Correct Course

As the regular season winds down, the Wizards must decide whether they are truly committed to the rebuild.

Winning meaningless games now could derail their entire offseason strategy before it even begins.

They have a chance to get back on track with an upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets a team that will likely expose their flaws. If Washington is serious about its future, they must prioritize draft positioning over short-term success.

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Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Gives Blunt Assessment of Nikola Jokic’s MVP Case

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Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Gives Blunt Assessment of Nikola Jokic's MVP Case

The Denver Nuggets secured a crucial road victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night in a high-stakes battle featuring two of the NBA’s top MVP contenders.

Nikola Jokic once again showcased his dominance, delivering an effortless yet staggering 35-point, 18-rebound, and eight-assist performance to outduel Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Following the game, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn’t hold back in making his case for Jokic in the MVP conversation.

“If you didn’t know that Nikola won three MVPs and I put Player A and Player B on paper, and you had no idea that the guy that’s averaging a triple-double, the guy who’s top-three in the three major statistical categories things that no one’s ever done he wins the MVP 10 times out of 10,” Malone said.

Then, with added emphasis, he continued: “And if you don’t think so, then I think you guys are all full of s—.”

Despite Jokic’s brilliance, Gilgeous-Alexander remains the frontrunner for this year’s MVP award.

However, Malone was quick to praise the Thunder star, acknowledging his greatness while also standing firmly behind his own player.

With a significant portion of the season still to play, Jokic and the Nuggets have a chance to maintain their momentum.

If they continue their red-hot form, voters may reconsider and ultimately decide that the Serbian big man deserves a fourth MVP instead of crowning a new face.

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