Despite their differences, the Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant might be trying to prolong their partnership – at least for now. With all the trade chatter surrounding the two-time all-star, nothing has come to fruition yet.
Ja Morant’s downfall has been sad but inevitable, a result of his own actions. Despite it being public knowledge that he is now on the Memphis Grizzlies’ trade block, very few teams appear to be openly interested in him.
After a long, event-filled trip to Europe for two games with the Orlando Magic, the Memphis Grizzlies surely were happy to be back in the friendly confines of FedExForum Wednesday night.
Most NBA players, no matter how successful, are out of the league before the end of their 30s, or even their 20s. That leaves a lot of life left to live, and a good handful of players have made the most of their professional lives after leaving the court.
Ja Morant’s production has reduced this season compared to his recent years. Amid this, tension with the Memphis Grizzlies’ coaching staff, particularly with head coach Tuomas Iisalo, has fueled widespread trade speculation around the franchise star.
The Memphis Grizzlies have returned from their European tour with a 1-1 record and are looking to get the second half of the season started on a positive
For weeks, Ja Morant trade rumors have lingered across the NBA with little movement. Even after Memphis opened talks, league interest stayed quiet. Following the London win over Orlando, Morant addressed his future and strongly signaled loyalty.
Ja Morant recently said he doesn’t plan on leaving the Memphis Grizzlies anytime soon, and according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the team may be stuck with the mercurial guard due to his low value in today’s NBA trade market.
The expectation around the NBA has not changed when it comes to Ja Morant and the Grizzlies. According to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Memphis is still widely expected to move Morant ahead of the trade deadline, which falls on February 5.
Ja Morant wasted no time reminding the NBA he remains one of the league's premier players. Now the question will be: Can the two-time Memphis Grizzlies NBA All-Star somehow avoid injuries that have limited him this season as they have in his recent past?
Zach Edey's health has proven to be a major priority for the Memphis Grizzlies, one they have proven by the handling of his stress reaction. He won't be reevaluated again until after the All-Star break, and the Grizzlies are already amongst the bottom of the Western Conference.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is not pounding the table to get out of Memphis. He just wants answers. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Jackson does not necessarily want to be traded by the Grizzlies, despite leaguewide chatter suggesting otherwise.
When it comes to the Memphis Grizzlies, criticism of every kind eventually finds its way to Ja Morant. However, he isn’t the only star player on the Grizzlies to get the stick.
The Hawks intend to sign free agent center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract, reports Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (via Twitter).
The Orlando Magic were locked in a tight battle with the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday — until Anthony Black lowered the boom with a powerful dunk over four defenders.