Sacramento Kings Eye Ja Morant Trade

0:00It's April 17th. Welcome to California News Today, powered by AI. The Sacramento Kings just wrapped up a rough 22 and 60 season, leaving them hungry for a quick rebuild. General manager Scott Perry admits it could take time, but trading for Memphis Grizzly star Jean-Marant might speed things up. ESPN reports say the Kings could jump back into talks if their lottery pick doesn't land a solid point guard. Earlier this season, Sacramento pushed the Grizzlies for extra draft picks in negotiations, but talks stalled. Now, with Marant's value at a low point, Memphis figures to find a trade partner this summer, even if it's not for much in return. Sources say Marant has already told folks around the league he's done with the Grizzlies. Kings coach Doug Christie made it clear in exited interviews, without a true point guard, they got no shot in this league. Fans and exec see Marant as a flashy option, a two-time all-star who could pair with the Montess Abonus, but his injury history raises eyebrows. He only played 20 games this year after 50 last season, and just nine the year before.

1:05On the flip side, Marant has two years left on his deal, about 42.2 million, then 44.9 million, which could strain the Kings tight budget. At 26, he's shown some regression and stays unreliable on the court, and lining him up with Zach Levine might spell chaos for the roster. Still talk, the Kings circling Marant makes sense as a destination, but whether it's the smart play, that's the big question hanging over their off-season moves.