Aside from Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, another shocking name who was not dealt at the trade deadline was Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. Months leading up to the deadline, it sure looked like Morant was as good as gone from Memphis.
The Miami Heat were the most prominent suitors, but pulled away due to their fascination with Giannis. And because the 26-year-old’s on-court value was tanking, many teams tried to lowball the Grizzlies. Can’t blame those teams for their actions, though. Morant has had off-court and injury issues in recent years.
The Bucks tried to dip their hands in the Morant sweepstakes as well, but to no avail. Their offer was immediately shunned by Memphis.
“Trade discussions with the Bucks centered around guard Ryan Rollins, but Milwaukee also wanted to include the contracts of Kyle Kuzma or Bobby Portis, which Memphis had no interest in taking on,” according to a report from ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly.