Bucks target Ja Morant and high-flying guard worth $45M in bold move to save Giannis Antetokounmpo’s title window

One of the biggest names to keep an eye on before the February 5 trade deadline is Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies. The latest NBA trade rumors indicate that the Milwaukee Bucks are one of the teams interested in Morant. The Bucks are also reportedly eyeing Zach LaVine in an attempt to extend Giannis Antetokounmpo’s title window.

According to Jim Ozarski of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Bucks are looking at Morant and LaVine as potential options to give Antetokounmpo a chance to compete in the Eastern Conference.

Morant’s relationship with the Grizzlies has been turbulent this season, and perhaps it’s time for them to move on from each other. He’s making $39.5 million this season and has two more years of salary increases after that.

With the Trae Young trade potentially impacting Morant’s market, it will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies handle his potential trade.

Jim Owczarski also reported that Zach LaVine is on the Milwaukee Bucks’ radar. LaVine seems to be a better fit in Milwaukee alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo than Ja Morant. He’s a shooter who can keep the ball off the floor, while Morant is shooting a career-worst 20.8% from beyond the arc this season.

LaVine is making $47.5 million this season, so matching his salary could be an issue for the Bucks. He also has a $48.9 million player option for next season, though he will likely opt for that at age 31.

Teammate Ja Morant is breaking his silence on NBA trade rumors

Speaking to reporters after the Memphis Grizzlies’ 103-98 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, Jaren Jackson Jr. spoke about the possibility of trading Ja Morant before the deadline.

“The basketball business takes its toll,” Jackson Jr. said, according to ClutchPoints. “I think I also told him, ‘I think we’ve seen it all. We’ve seen a lot of different things, but that’s my brother. I always feel for him. It’s just a tough thing.’

Jackson added that he appreciates Morant continuing to be involved in games despite the trade rumors. He even mentioned that the mood in the team’s locker room is different, but it’s just the nature of the NBA.

The former No. 2 pick is currently sidelined with a calf injury. He has missed the Grizzlies’ last five games. He has not played in 21 games so far this season, with his team going 11-10 without him.