In the deal negotiation between the Timberwolves and Grizzlies, can Morant join forces with Edwards achieve it?

Let's talk about the recent NBA news - the Timberwolves and the Grizzlies are actually talking about Morant's deal! Who dares to think about this before? After all, Morant's off-court storm and injury attendance rate in the past two years have long discouraged many teams, but the new Timberwolves boss doesn't believe in evil and is determined to form the backcourt of "Morant + Edwards". Is this the rhythm of turning the tables in the West?

First, let's take a look at the current progress. According to famous reporter Sharanya, the two sides have started negotiations and the conversation is quite smooth - the Grizzlies have a big talk and the Lions are asking Jaden McDaniels. This guy averaged 14.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in 33 minutes last season's playoffs, and he can shoot 38.2% of his three-pointers, which is a hot spot. In addition, Reed's first signing and then exchange, and the Timberwolves' first round pick in 2025. The most important thing is that the Timberwolves have almost fulfilled all the conditions, which shows how urgent they are to Morant.

But we have to talk about the morant's affairs first. This guy just signed a five-year, 197 million yuan contract in 2022. As a result, he played a total of 120 games due to injuries and bans over three years - an average of 40 games a year. This attendance rate will hurt anyone who is the boss. What's even more outrageous is that he recently asked the Grizzlies to renew their contract for 130 million for two years in advance. In this way, the total salary in the next five years will directly surge to 260 million. The Grizzlies management is probably already in a big way: a decision must be made before October 21, either agree to his contract renewal or let him go. But Morant has been having trouble off the field in the past two years, and the Grizzlies really dare not gamble anymore. They simply listened to the offer and wanted to trade him out, so they turned around to rebuild Jalen Jackson Jr.

Look at the Timberwolves, why are they determined to take over? To put it bluntly, it’s just two words: to win the championship. After losing to the Thunder this season's Western Conference Finals, the management completely couldn't sit still - being able to beat the Lakers and Warriors in the first two rounds of the playoffs means that the lineup has potential; but being easily eliminated by the Thunder means that the lineup is still lacking. Now the Timberwolves boss gave General Manager Connery Shangfang’s sword: No matter what resources you can improve your strength, you can smash it up! Although Durant is fragrant, he is 37 years old; Morant is only 25 years old, and even if there are risks, he has greater potential.

The most important thing is that the Timberwolves feel that Edwards and Morant can "1+1>2". Edwards has proved himself in the past two years that he can play with or without the ball; Morant's breakthrough and destructive power are unique in the league. If the two join forces, the defensive players don't know who to defend - double-team Morant? Edwards can shoot and break; double-team Edwards? Morant's breakthrough can directly smash the basket. More importantly, Morant can share the offensive pressure, and Edwards can focus more on defense. If this is formed on the backcourt, which team in the West will not be afraid of it?

But then again, this is a very risky matter. If the Timberwolves really get Morant, their total salary will exceed 250 million next season and they will have to pay huge luxury taxes every year. If you can't make it to the championship in the next two or three years and hold the big contracts of Gobert, Edwards and Morant in your hands, it will be the same as this year's Celtics - you can't get rid of them even if you want to. But the new boss said "to be radical for a year", and Connery had to prove himself again, and they could afford to bet on this deal.

For the Grizzlies, this transaction is actually considered a timely stop loss. McDaniels + Reed + No. 17 draws can not only supplement the young and fight power, but also rebuild around Jackson and Bain, and the lineup will be more stable in the future. Morant has been with the Grizzlies for the past six years, like a roller coaster ride. From the dark horse in the west to the chaos every year, the Grizzlies really should change their way of life.

It depends on how the talk was in the end. If it really happens, there will be a king-bombing combination of "speed + strength + creativity" in the Western Conference backcourt; if the negotiations fail, Morant will likely apply for a transaction after October 21, and then another battle of snatching people will be launched. But no matter what, this matter reminds the league - star transactions are always a double-edged sword. If you bet right, it is the cornerstone of the championship, and if you bet wrong, it will be directly hit. The Timberwolves have bet all their chips this time. Will it be successful? We can only see the final record next season.

Basketball has always been "risk and opportunity coexist". The Timberwolves bet on Morant is very similar to the three giants in the Heat group back then. Even though they know there are risks, they don’t try it, and they will never know how close they are to the championship. The Grizzlies' choice to rebuild is also very similar to the Spurs' sent Leonard away - the old ones don't go, and the new ones don't come. Regardless of whether this deal is finally successful or not, it tells us: in the NBA, there is no eternal lineup, only eternal change. The West will be destined to be more lively next season.