Every Monday, we bring you up to speed on NBA news. This week, the situation with Ja Morant has taken a possibly confusing twist—could it be a strategy to boost his trade value? Additionally, the announcement of All-Star starters is coming soon. What’s in store with the new All-Star format?
The Big Story: The Ja Morant Saga
The trade return for Trae Young in Atlanta raises concerns for Memphis. Young, a key player for the Hawks, was recently traded to Washington for an unexpectedly low return of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, with no draft picks. This trade has puzzled many, especially given that lesser players have fetched more in trades. Currently, interest in Young as a future star seems minimal, and it appears he may struggle to secure a big contract in free agency this summer.
This situation reflects the declining value of point guards, which the Grizzlies are facing as the trade deadline approaches on February 5. Their upcoming games in Berlin and London add another layer of intrigue, especially since Morant missed several games due to a calf contusion. Speculation around whether he has played his last game for the Grizzlies has been rampant.
However, he made a strong return on Sunday in London, scoring 24 points and adding 13 assists and five rebounds. Despite a season filled with injuries and internal conflicts, his performance reminded everyone of his value. After Memphis expressed interest in trading him, it seemed like his exit was imminent, but finding a suitable landing spot has proven difficult.
After his standout performance, Morant stated, “I’m a very loyal guy… That should tell you exactly where I want to be,” emphasizing that he hasn’t explicitly requested a trade. The dynamics in Memphis are precarious, drawing comparisons to what the Hawks faced with Young. The Grizzlies find themselves in a delicate position regarding Morant’s future—trading him may not be necessary, but increasing his trade value is crucial.
With two years still on his contract, the Grizzlies must weigh the risks: showcasing him on the court could either raise his value or lead to further injuries. The upcoming weeks will reveal more about Morant’s situation and whether he will remain with the Grizzlies past the deadline.
NBA Stock Report Overview
📈 Denver Nuggets (29-14): Despite a flat game against Charlotte, the Nuggets have shown resilience, managing a 4-1 weekly record while missing starters. Under coach David Adelman, the team embodies a “next man up” mentality and has held strong in the Western Conference.
📉 Milwaukee Bucks (17-24): After a challenging stretch against top teams, the Bucks have struggled, going 1-4 recently. Concerns about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s commitment to this roster are surfacing, amid overall poor performance on both offense and defense.
📈 Sacramento Kings (12-31): Despite a loss against Portland, the Kings have shown improvement, winning four consecutive games recently. They’ve benefited from strong performances from DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook, particularly with 3-point shooting.
📉 Philadelphia 76ers (22-17): Philadelphia’s struggles continue, having lost three of their last four games against tough opponents. They face issues with consistency in scoring, particularly in close games, which has hindered their success.
📈 Golden State Warriors (23-19): The Warriors are displaying a resurgence, winning five of their last six games. They have found an offensive rhythm, showcasing impressive shooting percentages, but they need to maintain this level of play to compete effectively.
📉 Brooklyn Nets (12-28): After a brief improvement, the Nets have fallen back, winning only two of their last 11 games. As they continue to struggle, questions arise about possible trades for their star players.
Looking Forward: All-Star Game Details
On Monday, the All-Star starters for both conferences will be unveiled, bringing clarity to the new selection format. The voting system, which depends on fans (50%), players (25%), and media (25%), will ultimately influence the final choices. In the East, top vote-getters include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Maxey, while the West lists Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Steph Curry among its leaders.
The fan voting indicates that Mitchell and Brown are vying for the fifth spot in the East, while Edwards and Avdija are contenders in the West. Coaches will soon be tasked with selecting reserves, ensuring a proper balance between international and USA-born players.
This year’s All-Star game will feature an intriguing format with teams divided between USA and international players. The final selection process will have far-reaching implications for the success of the event, as NBA and NBC aim to create a memorable All-Star experience.
