This post was originally published on this site.
Ja Morant was asked one question about his future with the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 21.
When the star point guard was in London and Berlin for two NBA games in Europe against the Orlando Magic, the media assembled had plenty to ask the 26-year-old in his seventh NBA season. But this time, he was asked just one question after a loss to the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum.
“I’m sorry y’all that wasn’t able to come to London, but I’m done with those questions,” Morant said.
His response was polite, and the questions turned back to basketball. Morant wanted to focus on basketball, but the news from the Grizzlies on Jan. 24 about another setback will keep the focus on his future with the organization.
Morant will miss at least three weeks due to left elbow UCL sprain. The three-week timeline overlaps with the trade deadline on Feb. 5.
If Morant is traded, he has played his last game with the Grizzlies. There is also the possibility that Memphis could keep Morant beyond the deadline if the latest injury scares off bidders from making an attractive offer.
Morant is averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game this season. His 23.5% on 3-pointers and 41% shooting overall are both career lows. He’s a 46.6% shooter for his career, including 31.1% on 3-pointers.
Ja Morant’s trade value, contract
Reports have indicated that Morant doesn’t have a robust trade market. His injury history and off-court concerns have limited what teams are willing to offer for a player who is making $39.4 million this season.
After reports surfaced that the Grizzlies would listen to offers on Jan. 9, Morant returned from a calf contusion on Jan. 18 after missing six games. He proceeded to compile at least 20 points and 10 assists in each of his next two games.
Morant’s strong play was an indication that more teams could start calling the Grizzlies, but then he suffered his latest injury.
Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo are two other notable NBA stars whose names have been rumored in potential trades. Both those players are also expected to be sidelined through the trade deadline.
A team in win-now mode is less likely to take on Morant’s contract, given his latest injury and injury history. Morant has missed 23 of 43 games this season. He’ll finish this season playing less than 60 games for the third consecutive year.
The Commercial Appeal reported on Jan. 9 that the Grizzlies would be open to keeping Morant if they can’t find suitable offers. The chances of Morant staying seem to be increasing.
Can Grizzlies fix the issues with Ja Morant?
Morant indicated on Jan. 18 that Memphis is where he wants to be. While that didn’t mean the Grizzlies would be more inclined to keep him, the current injury situation could lead to that.
If Morant stays past the deadline, is the relationship salvageable? That seems unlikely, given Morant’s down season and injury history with two more seasons left on his contract.
Morant was supporting his teammates on the bench during the Jan. 23 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans. His latest actions have been positive, limiting the potential of a distraction.
The two sides being aligned throughout the remainder of the season doesn’t seem like it could be a conflict. However, what happens after the season is another question.
Morant will be eligible for a three-year contract extension. The Grizzlies didn’t sign him to a two-year extension last offseason. Given the recent events and the team’s willingness to shop him, an extension is even less likely now.
A perfect fairytale story would be the Grizzlies and Morant fixing their differences, moving on and making a run next season. However, without future certainty, there’s a strong chance the Grizzlies will be listening to offers again in the offseason if Morant remains on the roster past the trade deadline.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.