It's the job of front offices to try and imagine what players might become available in a trade and what they might offer to land him in this hypothetical scenario. That speculation led one executive to muse Ja Morant could become available this summer if the Grizzlies flame out in the first round of the playoffs.

In contrast, last season was a disaster without Morant. The Grizzlies struggled to a 27-55 record—third worst in the West—and missed the playoffs entirely. Morant could only play nine games due to a lengthy suspension and shoulder injury, highlighting just how crucial he is to the team’s success.