The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly put Ja Morant on the trade block, which prompted several teammates to open up on their relationship with the two-time NBA All-Star. One of them is Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been with Morant for the past eight years.
“The business of basketball, it takes a toll,” Jackson reflected via the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “And I told him too, I think we’ve seen it all. I think we’ve seen so many different things. But, you know, that’s my brother. I’m always feeling for him. Yeah, man. It’s just a tough thing, man. But he showed up to the game, he’s still around. You can understand the mood, something like that. And just, especially with someone like him, who’s just viral for freaking anything, it’s just intense, man.”
“We’re all growing up in the public eye, but it’s just intense. I feel for him. That’s my brother. That side of the game plays out like it plays out. No matter what, he changed my life coming here. You know who he is,” he added.
Morant was out during the Memphis Grizzlies-Oklahoma City Thunder game due to a calf injury. During the game last night, Jackson paid homage to Morant by doing the latter’s “grenade” celly when he hit his first three-pointer in the opening period.
Memphis Grizzlies recommended to trade Ja Morant to rising Eastern Conference power
Following the bombshell news about the Memphis Grizzlies’ willingness to shop Ja Morant, ESPN offered a trade proposal involving the Toronto Raptors, who would receive the two-time NBA All-Star in exchange for Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, and a first-round pick.
“For the Raptors, a Morant trade is similar to the approach last year when they took a chance on trading for the injured Ingram. In a wide-open East, a combination of Morant, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Ingram could push them toward the top of the conference. Toronto also gains an extra year of financial freedom by swapping Quickley for Morant,” the ESPN article said.
“Memphis, on the other hand, would now have three first-round picks this season and a starter in Quickley who is under a manageable contract for the next four seasons.”
