{"id":744227,"date":"2026-05-26T07:03:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T07:03:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/744227\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T07:03:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T07:03:19","slug":"why-the-timberwolves-are-the-most-dangerous-team-in-the-ja-morant-sweepstakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/744227\/","title":{"rendered":"Why the Timberwolves Are the Most Dangerous Team in the Ja Morant Sweepstakes"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Ja Morant<\/a> era in Memphis<\/a> appears to be nearing its breaking point, with the Grizzlies seemingly headed toward a full-blown cultural reset.<\/p>\n

And NBA<\/a> insiders are already connecting the dots to Minnesota<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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After back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> finished sixth in the West with a 49-33 record and stumbled out in the second round this year, losing to the San Antonio Spurs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The elimination itself was ugly. Anthony Edwards<\/a> had 24 points on 9 of 26 shooting, Julius Randle<\/a> managed just three points on 1 of 8, and the Spurs, behind 32 from Stephon Castle<\/a> and a quiet but efficient 19 from Victor Wembanyama<\/a>, handled business 139-109.<\/p>\n

The Timberwolves ended their season dealing with the unfortunate reality that they weren\u2019t physically, emotionally, or fundamentally good enough to compete for a championship right now.<\/p>\n

Minnesota\u2019s front office knows it. The fanbase knows it. Now comes figuring out how to solve it.<\/p>\n

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On Monday, May 25, 2026, ESPN NBA insider Andre Snellings offered a bold trade proposal<\/a>, shipping out Julius Randle, Terrence Shannon Jr.<\/a>, and Joan Beringer<\/a> in exchange for Memphis\u2019 two-time All-Star.<\/p>\n

More news: Thunder Hit With Jalen Williams Injury News Ahead of Game 5 vs. Spurs<\/a><\/p>\n

\"JaMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE \u2013 FEBRUARY 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies<\/a> looks on after a game against the Utah Jazz<\/a> at FedExForum on February 20, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

More news: 76ers Reportedly Down to 4 Finalists in Search for Daryl Morey Replacement<\/a><\/p>\n

After failing to find a trade that met their asking price at the deadline, the Grizzlies will go into the offseason with a clear plan to move Morant.<\/p>\n

Morant\u2019s ability to attack the rim, create for others, and carry an offense made him a star. But it\u2019s not about his ability, it\u2019s about his availability, as he\u2019s played only 79 games over the last three seasons.<\/p>\n

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One team executive told Sports Illustrated\u2019s Chris Mannix<\/a> that \u201cyou just can\u2019t count on him to be available.\u201d ESPN\u2019s Brian Windhorst went further, suggesting Morant has \u201cnegative value,\u201d<\/a> meaning teams wanted the Grizzlies to attach draft compensation just to take him.<\/p>\n

Morant is under contract for two more years<\/a> at $42.2 million in 2026-27 and $44.9 million in 2027-28, which makes this a high-risk, high-reward gamble for whoever pulls the trigger.<\/p>\n

But for Minnesota, it might be a deal they\u2019re forced into.<\/p>\n

Minnesota\u2019s core problem has been the absence of a true floor general. The Timberwolves have been heavily linked to Morant for months, with insiders reporting intense organizational interest in flanking Anthony Edwards with an elite, downhill playmaker.<\/p>\n

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Edwards is a superstar wing who can do everything, but he\u2019s never had a true lead guard to take pressure off him. Donte DiVincenzo<\/a> and Ayo Dosunmu<\/a> are scoring guards, not orchestrators. And now with DiVincenzo tearing his Achilles, that need is more urgent than ever.<\/p>\n

Making matters worse, the free-agent market offers no real solution at point guard this summer. Trae Young<\/a> is expected to stay in Washington, Fred VanVleet<\/a> likely stays in Houston<\/a>, and Collin Sexton<\/a>, Coby White<\/a>, Gabe Vincent<\/a>, and Dosunmu are the next tier.<\/p>\n

As a result, if Minnesota wants an elite playmaker, a trade might be the only real path, and Morant represents the highest upside available.<\/p>\n

More news: \u201cHe Got Robbed\u201d: Mike Brown Blasts Voters Over OG Anunoby All-Defense Snub<\/a><\/p>\n

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