Ex-NBA star wants Grizzlies to give Ja Morant his Trae Young moment
Lou Williams Calls for Grizzlies to Grant Ja Morant a Fresh Start
The NBA trade market was recently jolted by the blockbuster deal sending Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards, a move that signaled the definitive end of an era in Atlanta. While the dust is still settling on that transaction, former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams believes another superstar point guard is overdue for a similar change of scenery: Memphis Grizzlies franchise cornerstone Ja Morant.
Speaking on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, Williams argued that the relationship between Morant and the Grizzlies has reached a point of no return. He suggested that Memphis should facilitate a "Trae Young moment" for Morant—a complete severance of ties that allows the player to rehabilitate his career in a new environment while the franchise hits the reset button.
"I think it’s time for a fresh start for Ja Morant—I think it’s time for a fresh start for the Memphis Grizzlies," Williams stated. "I’m not even surprised [the Grizzlies] started shopping Jaren Jackson around to see if they can start fresh in its entirety when it comes to their star players. I just think it’s time now."
The comparison to Young is poignant. Young’s departure from Atlanta came after years of stagnation and internal friction, resulting in a trade for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert that allowed the Hawks to pivot. Similarly, Morant’s tenure in Memphis has been marred recently by injuries, suspensions, and reported disconnects with the coaching staff. Williams noted that seeing Young "move forward" with a "big smile on his face" in Washington is exactly the type of revitalization Morant needs.
The Grizzlies appear to be inching toward this reality. With reports surfacing that the front office is exploring trades for Jaren Jackson Jr., the dismantling of the "Grit and Grind 2.0" core seems imminent. For Williams, holding onto a fractured partnership serves neither side. Just as Atlanta finally ripped the bandage off with Young, Williams contends that Memphis must embrace the rebuild and give Morant the freedom to find his joy—and his game—elsewhere.
The NBA trade market was recently jolted by the blockbuster deal sending Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards, a move that signaled the definitive end of an era in Atlanta. While the dust is still settling on that transaction, former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams believes another superstar point guard is overdue for a similar change of scenery: Memphis Grizzlies franchise cornerstone Ja Morant.
Speaking on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, Williams argued that the relationship between Morant and the Grizzlies has reached a point of no return. He suggested that Memphis should facilitate a "Trae Young moment" for Morant—a complete severance of ties that allows the player to rehabilitate his career in a new environment while the franchise hits the reset button.
"I think it’s time for a fresh start for Ja Morant—I think it’s time for a fresh start for the Memphis Grizzlies," Williams stated. "I’m not even surprised [the Grizzlies] started shopping Jaren Jackson around to see if they can start fresh in its entirety when it comes to their star players. I just think it’s time now."
The comparison to Young is poignant. Young’s departure from Atlanta came after years of stagnation and internal friction, resulting in a trade for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert that allowed the Hawks to pivot. Similarly, Morant’s tenure in Memphis has been marred recently by injuries, suspensions, and reported disconnects with the coaching staff. Williams noted that seeing Young "move forward" with a "big smile on his face" in Washington is exactly the type of revitalization Morant needs.
The Grizzlies appear to be inching toward this reality. With reports surfacing that the front office is exploring trades for Jaren Jackson Jr., the dismantling of the "Grit and Grind 2.0" core seems imminent. For Williams, holding onto a fractured partnership serves neither side. Just as Atlanta finally ripped the bandage off with Young, Williams contends that Memphis must embrace the rebuild and give Morant the freedom to find his joy—and his game—elsewhere.
