Ja Morant may be sidelined with a calf contusion, but he’s far from absent. The Memphis Grizzlies star has missed time since the team’s 128-121 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, yet he’s remained a visible and vocal presence on the bench, backing his teammates as they continue to grind through the season.
Most recently, Morant was courtside in Berlin as the Grizzlies took on the Orlando Magic at Uber Arena. While he didn’t suit up, he was locked in, cheering on his squad as they battled through a tough 118-111 loss. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with a strong performance-30 points in 33 minutes, adding a rebound and an assist-but it wasn’t quite enough to push Memphis over the top.
And while Morant’s absence continues to be felt on the floor, it’s also generating headlines off it. During the NBA on Prime broadcast, former NBA veteran Udonis Haslem made a lighthearted comment about Morant’s game-night attire.
Noticing the flashy chain Morant was wearing on the sidelines, Haslem quipped, “When you travel with that much jewelry, you don’t plan on playing.” It was a playful jab, but it spoke to the larger question surrounding Morant’s current role and future with the team.
Before his injury, Morant had played in 18 games this season, averaging 19 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per contest. Solid numbers by any standard, and a reminder of the dynamic playmaker he can be when healthy and locked in.
But beyond the injury, there’s another layer to the story-and it’s one that could reshape the Grizzlies’ future. Trade rumors around Morant have been gaining traction, with multiple reports suggesting Memphis might be looking to move on.
According to recent reporting, the Grizzlies are exploring trade options for Morant, though his current market value appears to be lower than expected. One league insider noted that Memphis could be forced to consider deals that don’t include high-end draft picks or marquee young talent.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a franchise that once saw Morant as the cornerstone of its rebuild. But with the Grizzlies sitting 10th in the Western Conference at 17-23, and the season slipping away, tough decisions might be on the horizon.
Next up, Memphis will look to regroup as they prepare for another matchup against the Magic-this time at The O2 in London. Whether Morant returns to the court soon or not, his presence continues to loom large over a team trying to find its footing in a season full of uncertainty.