Grizzlies predicted to acquire $96 million ex-Celtics playoff hero in Ja Morant-centered trade

The Memphis Grizzlies threw the NBA for a loop on Tuesday by trading Jaren Jackson Jr to the Utah Jazz. 

With the Grizzlies clearly committed to moving on from their two-time All-Star center, many began to speculate about Ja Morant’s future with the franchise. Jackson’s trade indicates that Memphis is closing its championship window for now, meaning it wouldn’t be surprising to witness it part ways with Morant next. 

The Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman is a firm believer that the Grizzlies could strike a deal for an ex-Boston Celtics playoff hero in a Morant-centered blockbuster trade.

“A (Miami) Heat move for Morant would involve considerable future risk against the salary cap, luxury tax and tax aprons, with Morant earning $34.9 million this season, $42.2 million next season and $44.9 million in 2027-28, all guaranteed,” Winderman wrote Tuesday. “Morant also has a 15% trade kicker in his contract.

“Those future numbers, while significant, still could wind up as less than the Heat might wind up having to pay sidelined guard Tyler Herro, if he is retained and extended with a new contract. Herro’s extension window opens in July.”

“If the Grizzlies simply are looking to move off Morant’s contract, the Heat could close an immediate deal with as little as Terry Rozier’s $26.6 million expiring salary and Simone Fontecchio’s $8.3 million expiring salary.”

Rozier isn’t in Morant’s stratosphere talent-wise. However, the Louisville product has a leg up over Morant when it comes to big-time playoff moments. 

Rozier played an integral role in the Celtics’ 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, as he finished with 26 points, nine assists, and six rebounds in a win-or-go-home first-round matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks to help kick things off. 

Rozier averaged 19.0 points on 43.2% field goal shooting and 41.5% three-point shooting against the Philadelphia 76ers in the following round to help the Celtics advance to the Eastern Conference Finals (the Celtics fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers).

Although the 31-year-old hasn’t reached the playoffs since leaving the Celtics in 2019, he’s undoubtedly a piece the Grizzlies could use as their attempt to retool their roster and eventually transform into playoff contenders.

More NBA: Warriors linked to Jonathan Kuminga-centered reunion trade for $109 million NBA champion forward