Ja Morant breaks offseason silence as Grizzlies star awaits trade but Giannis future holds key

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Ja Morant might be closer than ever to leaving Memphis, but there may still be a wait for the Grizzlies star.With the New York Knicks wrapping up the NBA Finals to claim a first championship in 53 years, all eyes have switched to the offseason drama.Ja Morant is among the names who could be moved at teams move into positionGettyGiannis Antetoukounmpo is expected to leave MilwaukeeGettyMorant’s future, and that of Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo, are likely to dominate the build up to Tuesday’s NBA Draft.Both players appear poised to be the big draws in terms of deals being done, and in a draft class stacked with stellar talent, the time seems right for both players to move on.Morant is described as ‘very available’ by Marc Stein and Jake Fischer in The Stein Line’s most recent trade roundup, while Gianni’s price has been labelled as ‘unrealistic’ by the respected NBA Insiders.Back in February they reported that Memphis were hopeful that the draft window would give them an opportunity for a bigger market.View Tweet: https://x.com/JaMorant/status/2068056763295834285?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwA couple of seasons ago he was regarded as one of the league’s stars of the future, but now he may have to wait his turn for a move, at least until the belle of the trade ball – Antetokounmpo – has his future secured.Morant has been linked with a move away from the Grizzlies ever since he found himself suspended for 25 games for ‘conduct detrimental to the league’ in thew 2023-24 season.But his hopes of being a prized asset have been hit by injuries and a lack of form, he started just 20 games in 2025-26, and a fresh start is expected for all parties.Having said little about his future of late, social media sleuths were quick to latch onto Morant’s most recent post on X, where five simple words had every questioning what it meant for the guard’s future.“If you got dreams, you better chase em!!” he posted, with a host of responses coming from NBA fans.Some suggested his ‘dream’ should be a trade request, while fans of the Timberwolves were among the first to tell Morant that he should join Anthony Edwards and co.Giannis has been linked with Boston Celtics and Miami HeatgettyMorant could team up with Anthony Edwards, with Minnesota one of a number of teams interestedGettyNew Orleans have also been mentioned among the most realistic options for the 26-year-old, but Morant will likely have to wait until the cards fall following the Giannis sweepstakes.It has been widely reported that the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat are leading the way for Giannis, but ‘The Greek Freak’ will command a huge package, and a huge contract extension.The Athletic’s Sam Amick reports that the Bucks have Tuesday as their deadline for trading Giannis, but neither Boston nor Miami have blinked.The Celtics are favorites but would likely have to give up Jaylen Brown to get a deal done, while Tyler Herro would likely be the asset that Miami move on, with Stein suggesting Detroit could help facilitate that as the third team.Both players have been crucial to their respective teams and the decision facing both Miami and Boston is whether they are prepared to move on from a cornerstone for Antekounmpo.Like Morant, the 31-year-old endured an injury-plagued season, but would be regarded as a franchise centrepiece.NBA's GreatestGreatest NBA players in the world right now – from Luka Doncic to Spurs phenom Victor WembanyamaBest players in NBA history to never win a championship – James Harden and Carmelo Anthony to Allen Iverson and Karl Malone10 richest owners in the NBA – family empires, media moguls and investment gurusMichael Jordan’s top 10 scoring games – counting down MJ’s most extraordinary totals“League sources say the Grizzlies are hopeful that Morant will be some team’s Plan B when the dust settles on Antetokounmpo’s situation,” Amick reports.NBA Draft looms as deadlineThe reason for Tuesday’s deadline, is the 2026 NBA Draft, and the likelihood that any deals will involve picks this year – as well as in the future.The Bucks are already scheduled to pick in the top 10, and prospective trade partners Miami select at 13 with the Celtics at 27.At the top of the draft it was the Washington Wizards who won big via the lottery and they look to be weighing up AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson with the first overall pick.Utah pick second, with Memphis third and that selection is likely to help accelerate the Grizzlies rebuild.Morant’s expected departure will follow that of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson as the Grizzlies rebuild goes up a gear.It promises to be a dramatic few days in the NBA.Stay up to date with the NBA across all our talkSPORT platforms – subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show ‘The S* Word, from 8am ET