Now that other top playmakers have already been taken off the trade market, the Pistons might find themselves resorting to desperate measures if they want to add a proven creator. But that list absolutely cannot extend to Ja Morant. His playstyle is a poor fit for the Pistons, and he’s got a huge contract and a lengthy injury history to boot.
Morant should be off limits for Detroit
Although Morant has often been lumped in with Trae Young and LaMelo Ball as All-Star guards with low trade value, he’s arguably got the least of them all. Morant is the hardest to fit into a pre-existing roster because of his glaring weaknesses, and he’s got the most drama outside of his on-court production too.
He doesn’t have an ounce of the shooting that Detroit needs in a complimentary guard. Morant has shot just 31% from three over his career. In the cramped spacing of the Pistons, Morant would have no room to operate his usual driving game and would struggle to adapt otherwise.
Morant’s contract is also a hefty one, paying out over $40 million in each of the next two seasons. He hasn’t played up to the level of his pay in recent years, largely due to his injuries. Last season, he suited up just 20 times and has only played 79 total games across the last 3 seasons.
The Pistons still have other options
Even though the market has moved quickly to scoop up many tradable creators, the Pistons aren’t out of options. For one, their rookie Ebuka Okorie could prove a capable secondary creator right away. But even if Okorie takes some time to come along, the Pistons can likely find other options who provide as much impact as Morant with less baggage and on smaller contracts.
Shooting guard has become one of the most undervalued positions in the NBA over recent years and the Pistons shouldn't rush to fill it. Ideally, they would want someone who can shoot the ball well and play solid defense, as well as create his own shot on occasion, to fill that spot. Morant doesn't fulfill that archetype at all; his defense has fallen off a cliff recently and even his self-creation has become questionable.
Based off purely on-court production alone, Morant is not a good trade target. When you throw in his contract situation, injury history and off-court drama, there's no world where any other team should be pining for him. Even if the Grizzlies offer some decent assets to get off him, they may not find any takers.
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