Could the Kings Be 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year’s Next Destination?
The Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant stand at a critical juncture in their relationship. Once viewed as the future face of the franchise and one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, Morant’s recent suspension for behavior deemed “detrimental” to the team has highlighted growing internal friction. His athletic brilliance and high-octane play have made him a fan favorite across the league. Still, his off-court controversies and perceived immaturity have cast a shadow over his immense talent. Memphis, a franchise that prides itself on toughness and cohesion, now finds itself questioning whether Morant’s leadership aligns with its long-term direction. Against this backdrop, teams like the Sacramento Kings, hungry for star power and relevance, may be tempted to capitalize on his diminished trade value, hoping that a change of scenery could reignite his career and bring their own franchise closer to contention.
Exploring the Kings as a Landing Spot
The Sacramento Kings are in an intriguing position in the Western Conference. After trading De’Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine last year, the Kings reshaped their roster and backcourt identity. LaVine brings elite shot-making and scoring versatility, but the team lacks a true floor general. The Kings need a player who can control the tempo, create for others, and inject electricity into the offense. That’s where Ja Morant could come in. Pairing Morant with LaVine would give Sacramento one of the most dynamic and athletic guard tandems in the NBA, capable of pushing the pace and overwhelming defenses. With Morant’s value currently at an all-time low due to off-court issues and tension with Memphis, the Kings could explore acquiring him for far less than a player of his talent would typically cost. For a front office eager to make a defining statement, the chance to buy low on a superstar could be irresistible.
Reputation Risks for the Kings
Still, the potential downside for the Kings’ front office is enormous. Sacramento has only recently re-established credibility after years of instability and underachievement. The team has worked hard to build a culture centered on accountability and professionalism, and adding a player with Morant’s baggage could threaten that progress. The front office would need to demonstrate strong leadership to keep the locker room aligned, while ensuring that LaVine, now the team’s established veteran star, embraces his role as both co-leader and mentor. If the organization fails to manage these dynamics, the move could quickly backfire, damaging not only the team’s chemistry but also its reputation around the league. For a front office seeking to define its long-term vision, this would be a high-risk, high-reward swing.
The Upside of Joining the Kings
Yet, the potential upside remains tantalizing. Morant, at his best, is one of the most exhilarating players in basketball, a relentless rim attacker who can both score and facilitate at elite levels. Teaming him with LaVine would instantly make Sacramento one of the most entertaining teams in the league, blending LaVine’s perimeter scoring with Morant’s ability to collapse defenses and create opportunities. With proper structure and veteran guidance, the Kings could channel Morant’s energy into disciplined dominance rather than chaos. For a franchise that has long struggled to attract top-tier talent, acquiring Morant could represent a bold turning point, a statement that Sacramento is no longer content with modest playoff success, but is intent on contending with the Western Conference’s elite. If Morant matures and thrives in a fresh environment, this could become one of the biggest trade steals of the decade.
Ultimately, the situation between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies presents both a warning and an opportunity for the Sacramento Kings. The warning lies in the volatility of investing in a player whose off-court decisions have clouded his immense potential. The opportunity lies in pairing him with Zach LaVine to form a backcourt that could transform the Kings into an offensive juggernaut. The front office must decide whether its culture and leadership are strong enough to withstand the turbulence that might accompany Morant’s arrival. If they can provide structure, mentorship, and accountability, Sacramento could emerge as one of the NBA’s most exciting stories. But if the experiment fails, it could derail the franchise’s newfound stability and stain the reputation of a front office still defining its legacy.
