The Memphis Grizzlies' 2-time All-Star and 2022 Most Improved Player winner Ja Morant's future with the organization was recently called into question after the unexpected firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins on Mar. 28, but recent updates have indicated that Memphis could choose to make a drastic decision to further build around the superstar guard.
The Grizzlies fell to the No. 8 seed in a loaded Western Conference despite compiling a 48-34 record after Jenkins' departure in 2024-25, and it's possible that the franchise's general manager Zach Kleiman may contact the New Orleans Pelicans in the coming months to support Morant by acquiring a fellow 2-time All-Star and electrifying athlete, Zion Williamson, via trade.
Interestingly enough, the two have more of an on-court history than some may realize.
"Changes are coming in Memphis because they fired their coach, Taylor Jenkins, and Williamson is one of the best players on the trading block this offseason," ClutchPoints' Bailey Bassett wrote Tuesday morning.
"Perhaps the Grizzlies could make a move for Williamson to pair him up with Morant."
"Morant is one of the most explosive players in the NBA. Pairing him with a fellow elite athlete like Williamson would be a scary thought for opposing defenses, few of which would have the personnel to slow the duo down."
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In a hypothetical trade scenario, Bassett suggests that the Grizzlies could approach the Pelicans with the idea of swapping out their star fifth-year guard Desmond Bane and a 2027 first-round draft pick in exchange for the Pels' former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the same year Morant was fittingly scooped up by Memphis with the very next pick.
Predating their back-to-back draft selections, the two future NBA All-Stars were once AAU teammates as children when they shared the court for the South Carolina Hornets in 2014.
Though shipping the home-grown and steadily improving Bane to New Orleans would be a tough pill for the Grizzlies' organization to swallow, bringing in a player of Williamson's caliber could have the potential to elevate the team to status as a real contender in the West, if health permits.
At just 24 years old, Williamson contributed 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists while knocking down 56.7% of his attempts from the floor in only 30 appearances for the injury-riddled Pelicans this season.
The high-flier's pronounced injury history could likely complicate things for the Grizzlies if they were to consider this deal, but the image of an explosive Morant-Williamson connection running the West for years may be too tempting of a prospect for Kleiman and his staff to pass on.
Though the thought of trading for Williamson when he's been unable to prove he can stay on the court for extended stretches is a risky one, it's certainly an idea to consider for the Grizzlies' front office as the team appears destined to initiate sweeping personnel changes this summer.
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