Ja Morant’s Future With Grizzlies In Deep Doubt

Ja Morant’s future with the Memphis Grizzlies remains in doubt.

Morant was hopeful that he could play in one of the Grizzlies games against the Magic, but he was ruled out for the game in Berlin due to a right calf contusion. This injury has kept him out since Jan. 2, although some believe this injury is a farce to buy time for the Grizzlies to find a trade partner for Morant.

Shams Charania of ESPN broke the news that the Grizzlies would consider a trade of their former All-Star point guard. The NBA trade deadline is February 5 at 3 p.m. 

The Grizzlies drafted Morant with the second pick of the 2019 NBA draft. The day before, the Grizzlies traded long-time PG Mike Conley to the Jazz. This move signified the Grizzlies’ intent to completely rebuild their roster.

Morant played 67 games in a COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and won Rookie of the Year. Morant showed small improvement in his second season but truly entered star conversations in his third season.

Morant’s points per game total skyrocketed from 19 in his second season to 27 in his third season. This jump would allow him to make his first All-Star team, along with winning Most Improved Player. Morant would make the All-Star team in 2022-23 as well, averaging 26 points per game.

The 2023-24 season is where things would start to go wrong. Morant had a string of violent behavior in the offseason, including allegedly pulling a gun on a minor during a pickup game. The NBA suspended him for 25 games. He returned for nine games, in which the Grizzlies went 6-3. However, his season ended after having shoulder surgery. 

Morant returned for the 2024-25 season. His points per game total was at 23, a decline from his All-Star seasons. His finishes were looking weaker. The team slowly started running around Jaren Jackson Jr. instead. 

Morant’s decline became even more evident this season with 19 points per game. Morant is reportedly unhappy in Memphis, and the Grizzlies seem to be willing to move on from him at the right price.