NBA Draft 2019 rumors: Grizzlies 'locked in on' picking Ja Morant at No. 2

The Grizzlies are “locked in on” selecting the former Murray State star with the No. 2 pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, according to a report from ESPN, which cites an unidentified league source.

Source: Barring the unexpected, Memphis Grizzlies front office and ownership appear to have locked in on selecting Ja Morant with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and are informing parties in Chicago of such. That clears the way for R.J. Barrett to fall to the Knicks at #3.

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 15, 2019

Morant was in attendance at the NBA Draft lottery Tuesday in Chicago.

“I really didn’t have any (emotions),” Morant told The Undefeated about the Grizzlies getting the second selection. “I really was just excited to see it all play out with how it went. I’m not disappointed. They still got the same player that is still going to go in and work like I’ve been doing."

The guard had a breakout season for Murray State in 2018-19. He averaged 24.5 points and 10 assists while shooting 36.3% from 3-point range as a sophomore.

Morant also scored 17 points and dished out 16 assists to help his team upset Marquette in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

“It's something I'm not used to,” Morant told reporters in March about his rising profile. “I come from being under the radar. My coaches, my teammates, really helped me with it. They haven't looked at me any different since I guess my name started to get out there. And my parents, I give most of the credit to them for keeping me level headed.”

The Grizzlies have veteran point guard Mike Conley in their backcourt. Conley, 31, averaged 21.1 points and shot 36.4% from 3-point range last season.

Memphis, however, considered moving Conley at the trade deadline and the Jazz are reportedly expected to pursue a deal for him this summer.