The New Orleans Pelicans appear to be in an unfixable situation just seven games into the 2025-26 season. No ownership of their own, first-round pick, a disastrous 1-6 record, Willie Green still coaching the team, and players like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy not performing to their full potential. While it may seem that all hope of having a solid basketball team in the Big Easy this season is gone, a development out of Memphis could change that.
If you’re unaware, tensions are high between Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant and second-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo.
Following a loss on Friday night to the Lakers, Iisalo challenged Morant's leadership, to which he responded in a way the team viewed as detrimental, resulting in a one-game suspension. Morant returned Monday night against Detroit, scoring 18 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists in his 35 minutes of action.
Prior to that game, Morant was asked if he felt the same joy playing as he once did. His answer was “No”.
Morant's issue with Iisalo stems from his minutes taking a huge hit this season. Prior to the game against the Pistons, he was averaging 28.7 minutes per game, for a player with his level of talent, that is extremely low. But that’s the way Iisalo wants to coach, have guys play 4-5 minute spurts of hard, paced basketball and then sub in fresh legs.
Another important note that adds to this ongoing drama is the comments made by former Grizzlies wing Danny Green on his podcast Inside The Green Room. Green went on about how he feels Morant doesn’t respect Iisalo the same way he respected Taylor Jenkins.
The Grizzlies' drama deepens with former player Danny Green's comments on his podcast, Inside The Green Room. Green believes Ja Morant doesn’t respect assistant coach Iisalo the way he did former head coach Taylor Jenkins. This raises concerns about Morant's relationships within the team and their potential impact on the season.
So, with trouble brewing between Morant and the Grizzlies, could it be time for the Pelicans to unite the top 2 picks from the 2019 draft? The answer is yes.
There’s really no other option for either side
When looking around the NBA, there aren’t really any teams that need a point guard or have the assets needed to acquire a player of Morant's caliber. Which is why it could totally be a move I see Joe Dumars trying to pull off.
The Pelicans are desperate and want to salvage this season, especially since they do not own their own first-round pick. Trading for an All-Star walking highlight reel could be the front office's way of doing that.
This deal could give both teams what they want: the Pelicans win now talent in Morant, and the Grizzlies depth and youth to retool around. Even though I think trading Fears would be one of the most ridiculous moves ever, it’s very possible. I would much rather see the Pelicans tear things down and rebuild around Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, and Trey Murphy, but I don’t think that’s in the cards for Dumars.
Acquiring Morant would create the league's most electric duo with him and Zion Williamson. And it could be what this team needs to go on a run and push for the postseason. Again, I’m not saying this is what I want or think the Pelicans should do, but I think it’s something that could realistically happen.