Bill Simmons Joked That Maccabi Tel Aviv Might Be the Only Team for Ja Morant

On a recent episode of Bill Simmons’ podcast, the host and his guests joked about Ja Morant’s uncertain market, with Simmons asking whether there is even one NBA team that would want him. Guest Justin Verrier replied, "Maybe Maccabi Tel Aviv would want him?" Simmons laughed and added, "Yeah, that’s probably not going to be an NBA team."

The exchange came after a major three-team trade between Minnesota, Brooklyn and Chicago that sent Julius Randle and the 28th pick in the current draft to the Nets. Minnesota received the 33rd pick, while Chicago added Nic Claxton. ESPN’s Shams Charania said the deal freed significant salary-cap space for the Timberwolves, giving them more flexibility to keep Naz Reid and use exceptions, and Brooklyn got a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player in Randle plus a first-round pick.

The article says the trade sparked speculation that Minnesota could next call Memphis about Morant. ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel wrote that the Timberwolves were exploring packages built around Randle, Donte DiVincenzo’s contract and the 28th pick, and that Minnesota is now opening cap room to build around Anthony Edwards and possibly target Morant.

Morant’s standing has slipped sharply in recent seasons. After averaging 27.4 points per game in 2021-22, he fell to 19.5 points per game last season. The piece suggests he may need a different supporting cast, but it also says the bigger question is whether Minnesota wants to take on the baggage that comes with him.