The Minnesota Timberwolves aren't interested in trading for Ja Morant. That much should be clear now, as it's been reported numerous times. In fact, the Wolves aren't interested in trading for any high-salaried guard despite their clear need for a PG.
While the Wolves aren't alone in their desire to avoid a trade for Morant -- in fact, Marc Stein recently reported that the Memphis Grizzlies are having trouble finding any suitor for Ja as the trade deadline inches closer.
"As I reported earlier Monday: New Orleans is not in pursuit of Ja Morant despite the persistent spillage of digital ink suggesting that the Pelicans are," Stein wrote. "The search for a confirmed Morant suitor thus continues. The Grizzlies still hope to find a trade partner before the Feb. 5 buzzer."
It honestly isn't much of a shock that seemingly no team is interested in Morant. We saw the Washington Wizards emerge as the lone suitor for Trae Young just weeks ago. Nevertheless, the Wolves should feel even better about not being interested in Morant after this report. Frankly, at this point, if the Wolves (or any team) were interested in Ja, that would scream desperation. The Grizzlies being this open to trading their franchise star is telling.
Trading for Ja Morant is too risky
Morant's talent is tantalizing, and he would certainly form a dynamic backcourt pairing with Anthony Edwards. However, trading for Ja has numerous risks. For starters, he's only played in 65-plus games once, and that was his rookie season. Ja is currently sidelined with an elbow injury, and the 26-year-old point guard has missed more than half of the season already.
And when he's on the court, Morant has shown clear signs of decline this season. He is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, on 41/23.5/89.7 shooting splits. Morant's shooting efficiency is a career low, and his ppg is the lowest mark since his rookie season. Furthermore, Morant's 23.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc is the worst in the league among players who attempt more than 3.0 3s per game.
To make matters worse, Ja is shooting a career low shots at the rim -- a number that has been in decline since 2022-23.
Then there's Morant's $39.4 million contract -- which would force the Wolves to gut their already limited depth. None of this mentions his lack of maturity and off-court issues. Simply put, the risk outweighs the reward when trading for Ja.
The Timberwolves have long realized how risky it would be to trade for Ja, and this is something seemingly every team is aligned on.