Latest On Ja Morant

Ja Morant returned to action for the Grizzlies on Sunday and posted one of his best performances of the season in Memphis’ 126-109 victory over the Magic.

According to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, he became the first player in franchise history to record 20 points and 10 assists in the first half of a game, and he ultimately finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds in just 28 minutes.

Given the prolonged and public trade rumors swirling around Morant, the performance left some wondering how the game could impact his perceived trade value around the league, but the point guard made a point after the game to emphasize his desire to stay in Memphis, according to Marc Stein in his latest piece for The Stein Line (subscriber link).

“I’m a very loyal guy,” Morant said. “I got a (Grizzlies) logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be,” he added, referencing a tattoo of the Grizzlies bear on his back.

Stein notes that the reasons that Memphis has for listening to offers are not due to the talent he displayed on Sunday, but rather to the struggles to see that talent fully realized on the court. Morant hasn’t played seven consecutive games since the 2022/23 season, and the injuries have seemingly taken a toll on his game. He is getting to the rim at the lowest rate of his career, while simultaneously having his worst shooting season as a pro.

However, Stein also notes that the team seems to have had a real bonding experience during this in-season trip abroad, saying that Morant was “at the heart of all the good vibes.”

In a final trade rumor update, Stein reports that the Heat, whose interest in Morant had been previously reported as “tepid,” are not interested in any deal for Morant that could impact what they could offer in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo deal. He adds that Miami believes itself to be a real threat to land the Bucks star if he should demand out, and they are prioritizing retaining that status above any potential Morant move.