The Grizzlies get: Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham
The Timberwolves get: Ja Morant, Jock Landale, GG Jackson II, $10.8 million trade exception
It seems like a stretch that the Timberwolves have a viable package for Morant. Assuming the team won’t move Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Naz Reid, or Jaden McDaniels, the only viable salary is Gobert. But with The Athletic’s John Krawczynski telling SiriusXM NBA Radio that Minnesota “checked in” with the Grizzlies, it’s worth mapping out what a deal might look like.
Here, the Grizzlies solve the Morant problem, add an exciting young guard in Dillingham, and bring back the well-loved Conley to retire in Memphis. Do the Grizzlies need Gobert with Zach Edey needing minutes? Maybe not, but pairing two defensive bigs like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Gobert is at least interesting. Conley can fill minutes at point guard, where Memphis has multiple injuries. Dillingham can be a larger part of the team’s future.
Is Morant a great fit with Minnesota’s core? If they believe so enough to make this sort of deal, fine, though it’s certainly debatable. He’s undeniably talented, and the Timberwolves need a long-term fixture at the point. Gobert would get about $4.5 million from the Timberwolves in a trade bonus, as of December 15 (when Landale’s trade restriction lifts). It may not be an ideal move for either team, but under extreme circumstances, perhaps it’s a deal worth considering.