Ja Morant's Injury Puts Grizzlies in Tough Spot as Trade Deadline Looms
Just when it looked like the Memphis Grizzlies might be turning a corner, they’ve been dealt another tough blow. Ja Morant, who had only just returned from a calf injury that sidelined him for six games, is now back on the shelf-this time with a sprained MCL in his left elbow. The injury occurred during Memphis’ narrow 124-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, and the team has announced that Morant will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
That timeline takes him out of action through the February 5 NBA trade deadline, and potentially longer. The Grizzlies say they expect Morant to make a full recovery, but in the short term, his absence leaves a major void in a team already struggling to stay afloat in the Western Conference.
The Timing Couldn't Be Worse
The Grizzlies have dropped nine of their last 12 games and entered the weekend sitting at 18-25-outside the playoff picture and looking up at a crowded field. Without Morant, who’s averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds this season, Memphis faces an uphill battle to stay relevant in the postseason race.
In the loss to Atlanta, Morant looked sharp at times, finishing with 23 points and 12 assists. But he also turned the ball over five times and had a chance to win the game in the final seconds. That opportunity slipped away when he lost control of the ball and was forced into a wild, off-balance three-point attempt.
After the game, Morant didn’t shy away from accountability.
"I don't think that last play is the reason we lost the game," he said. "It is what it is.
I had a lot of turnovers that put us in that position. It's a lot of other things we could've changed."
He also walked through the final possession, pointing out the different options that were on the table-letting Jaylen Wells bring the ball up, calling a timeout, passing it off-but ultimately, he chalked it up to a missed opportunity.
"We're on the other side of it. So it's over," he said.
Trade Deadline Clouds the Picture
With the team fading in the standings and Morant now unavailable through the trade deadline, speculation around his future is starting to pick up. While Morant has expressed a desire to stay in Memphis, he doesn’t hold a no-trade clause, meaning the front office has flexibility if the right offer comes along.
That said, trading a player of Morant’s caliber is never a simple decision. He’s one of the league’s most dynamic guards when healthy, and his impact on the Grizzlies-both on the floor and in the locker room-is undeniable. But with the team’s playoff hopes dimming and the deadline fast approaching, Memphis could find itself listening to offers, especially if rival teams come calling with serious interest.
What’s Next for Memphis?
For now, the Grizzlies will have to find a way to stay competitive without their star point guard. That means more responsibility for the supporting cast, more creative playmaking from the coaching staff, and a whole lot of grit. This is a team that’s built its identity on toughness and resilience, and they’ll need every ounce of that to weather the next few weeks.
Morant’s injury doesn’t just impact the Grizzlies’ win-loss column-it throws a wrench into their entire trajectory. Whether they choose to ride it out and hope for a late-season push or explore trade possibilities, Memphis is at a crossroads. And with the deadline looming, the clock is ticking.