Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant will stay with the team following the recent NBA trade deadline. Despite interest from several teams, no serious trade offers materialized for the two-time All-Star.
Ja Morant’s Injury Impact
Currently, Morant is sidelined due to an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his left elbow. This injury has limited his participation, as he has played only 79 games since the start of the 2023-24 season. So far, he has missed 20 of the team’s 49 games this season due to suspensions and injuries.
Trade Talks and Team Decisions
Ahead of the trade deadline, which occurred last Thursday, the Grizzlies began fielding calls about Morant in January. However, interest in the guard remained tepid, partly due to his availability issues. League sources indicated that teams were hesitant to commit to a trade.
Morant’s Performance Statistics
This season, Morant is averaging:
- 19.5 points per game
- 8.1 assists per game
- 3.3 rebounds per game
He is experiencing a decline in his shooting efficiency, recording career-low statistics in both field-goal percentage (41.0%) and 3-point percentage (23.5%).
Recent Team Moves
Two days prior to the trade deadline, the Grizzlies made a mix of player exchanges involving Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. This trade with the Utah Jazz resulted in three first-round draft picks and several new players, including Walter Clayton Jr. and Kyle Anderson. Notably, this trade created a trade exception worth $28.8 million, the largest in NBA history.
Future Prospects for Morant
Morant’s contract has two years and $87 million remaining. Recently, he expressed a strong desire to stay in Memphis, stating, “I’ve got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be.” He emphasized his loyalty to the team, highlighting the tattoo of the Grizzlies’ logo on his back as a testament to his commitment.
The Grizzlies may reinspect trade opportunities involving Morant in the summer, depending on how the rest of the season unfolds.
