The situation between Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies continues to hang over the franchise like a cloud that just won’t move on. What started as a one-game suspension after Morant publicly criticized the coaching staff has now evolved into something far more complicated-and potentially franchise-altering.
According to reports, the Grizzlies are, for the first time, open to listening to trade offers for their star guard ahead of the February 5 NBA trade deadline. That’s a seismic shift, and it signals that Memphis might be ready to consider a future without Morant at the center of it.
But just when you think you’ve got a read on this situation, something new pops up to change the narrative. Cameras recently caught Morant at a team practice in London, looking relaxed, confident, and very much like the player who electrified the league not that long ago.
He was knocking down shots, smiling, and bringing energy to the floor-hardly the demeanor of a player embroiled in trade drama. The NBA even shared footage of the session with the caption, “Ja bringing the vibes at Grizzlies practice in London.”
That practice footage comes after Morant’s recent absence from game action due to a calf contusion he suffered during the Grizzlies’ 121-128 loss to the Lakers. He hasn’t suited up since, but his presence on the practice court is a welcome sign for fans hoping to see him back in uniform-and soon.
The Grizzlies, currently sitting 11th in the Western Conference with a 17-23 record, are in a tough spot. They’ve been inconsistent all season and are trying to stay afloat in the Play-In race. They just dropped a 118-111 game to the Orlando Magic, and in a twist of scheduling, they’ll face the Magic again-this time on international soil at The O2 in London.
Ahead of that matchup, head coach Tuomas Iisalo gave a promising update on Morant’s status. “There’s a good chance he plays,” Iisalo said.
“He went through the full practice today and now we’ve just got to see how his body responds in the morning. There’s obviously no guarantees and he’s got to feel comfortable with how the calf feels.”
That’s as optimistic as we’ve heard from the Grizzlies’ camp in weeks regarding Morant’s return. And it couldn’t come at a more critical time. With the team fighting to stay relevant in the West and the trade deadline looming, every game-and every storyline-carries extra weight.
Morant’s numbers this season tell part of the story: 19 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game over 18 appearances. Those are solid contributions, but they don’t fully capture the impact he has when he’s locked in.
His explosiveness, court vision, and ability to take over games are what make him a true franchise player. But right now, the Grizzlies are faced with a tough question: Is Morant still that guy for this team?
As we head into the final stretch before the trade deadline, all eyes will be on Memphis. Will Morant return to the floor and help push the Grizzlies back into the playoff picture? Or are we witnessing the final chapter of his time in Memphis?
One thing’s for sure-this saga is far from over.