TRADE UPDATES: NBA Trade Proposal Forms Dynamic Duo of Ja Morant By Reuniting With Former AAU $197 Million Star in Potential Blockbuster Trade…
A recent NBA trade idea envisions former AAU teammates becoming teammates once again, this time with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Following a disastrous 21-61 season, the Pelicans swiftly overhauled their front office, dismissing former executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin just a day after the season concluded. Griffin’s replacement is Joe Dumars, a former Detroit Pistons executive known for building the Pistons’ dominant teams in the early 2000s.
Now, Dumars faces the challenge of improving a roster that includes Zion Williamson, a player frequently sidelined by injuries and who spent more time off the court than playing last season. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently proposed a trade that would bring Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to New Orleans to team up with Williamson, creating an explosive backcourt.
Buckley’s suggestion involves sending Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, and a 2026 first-round pick to Memphis in exchange for Morant, a two-time All-Star. While the Grizzlies have stated they do not plan to trade Morant, the recent blockbuster trade sending Luka Doncic from Dallas to Los Angeles shows that unexpected moves can happen. The proposal outlines why such a trade could benefit the Pelicans.
“Though New Orleans might consider trading Zion Williamson if the price is right, the team still believes in his potential if he can stay healthy. Should he have a full, injury-free season, they need to capitalize on that. What better way than reuniting him with his former AAU teammate?”
“If they could stay on the court, their speed and strength in transition and pick-and-roll situations would overwhelm opponents. Along with Trey Murphy III, they’d form a formidable trio, and the Pelicans would still have a capable supporting cast.”
Williamson and Morant share a special connection as the first and second picks in the 2019 NBA Draft. Both were AAU teammates in South Carolina and have maintained respect for each other throughout their careers.
Injuries have hampered both players so far, but if they remain healthy, they could be a significant threat to opposing teams.
Memphis ended the season as the eighth seed in the Western Conference but was swept in the first playoff round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Morant missed the final game due to injury sustained during the series.
