Grizzlies expected to explore trade market for Ja Morant originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Often times when there’s smoke, there’s fire, and there has been a whole lot of smoke in Memphis this season regarding star guard Ja Morant. The Grizzlies star guard has been frustrated both on and off of the court this season, and his unhappiness has led to rampant speculation that the team could look to trade him prior to the deadline in February.

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As it turns out, that might be Memphis’ exact plan. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the Grizzlies indeed plan to test the trade market for Morant, though finding a suitable trade partner might be easier said than done.

Sources expect Memphis to explore the trade market for Morant,” Bontemps wrote. “But like Davis, believe it will be difficult to get value for him.”

A Western Conference scout that Bontemps cited expects a deal to get done.

“I do think they’ll move him,” the West scout said.

Morant, who is currently sidelined with a groin strain, has appeared in 12 games for the Grizzlies so far this season, and his production has been down. He’s averaging career-lows in minutes per game (28.8), field goal percentage (.359) and three-point percentage (.167) while simultaneously averaging career-highs in turnovers (3.8) and personal fouls (2.3) per game. He was also suspended for one game earlier this season for conduct deemed detrimental to the team.

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Given his declining production coupled with his health and behavioral concerns, it could prove difficult for the Grizzlies to find fair value in a trade for a player who was once considered to be the face of the franchise. If it were just about talent, finding a trade for Morant would be easy. But, when the other aspects are factored in, things become more difficult.

Morant’s current contract could complicate things, too. He has two years and over $86 remaining on his deal beyond this season. That means any team interested in trading for him would have to be willing to make a steep long-term investment. Given the concerns surrounding the star guard, that’s a tall ask.

But, nothing is impossible in the NBA, as we’ve seen time and again. All it takes is one team to be so intrigued by Morant’s talent that they overlook the red flags. Will that happen before the deadline? We’ll have to wait and see.