January 18: Morant will indeed be active for Sunday’s game, the Grizzlies announced (via Twitter). Big man Santi Aldama, who was previously questionable with a due to a right calf contusion, will also be available.
January 17: Trade talks involving Ja Morant could get more serious once he gets back in action. That is expected to happen on Sunday, when the Grizzlies face the Magic in London.
Morant hasn’t suited up since suffering a right calf injury on Jan. 2.
“There’s a good chance he plays. He went through the full practice today and now we’ve just got to see how his body responds in the morning,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said on Saturday, per The Associated Press. “There’s obviously no guarantees and he’s got to feel comfortable with how the calf feels.”
Morant has been limited to 18 games this season due to a variety of injuries and a one-game suspension in early November for conduct detrimental to the team. He’s averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists in 28.3 minutes per game while shooting a career-low 40.1% from the field and 20.8% on three-point attempts.
Iisalo claims he and Morant are on the same page.
“We have a very good working relationship and every day here we both look to get better,” the Grizzlies’ coach said.
However, there has been daily speculation regarding Morant’s future ever since reports surfaced last week that Memphis was entertaining trade offers for their point guard.
The Timberwolves, Kings, Heat, Bucks, Raptors, Nets and Mavericks have been mentioned as potential suitors for Morant. However, there have been no indications that any trade discussions have reached the serious level. Morant has two years remaining after this season on his five-year, $197.2MM contract and his value has dipped the past few seasons due to declining production, health problems, and off-the-court issues.
I can see the kings end up with morant – they are always desperate but never get the right chemistry since early 2000s
They had it for one season since in 222-23 but couldn’t build on it then Fox asked for a trade.
A ball-dominant, bad 3 point shooting player is definitely their kind of guy.
Grizz aren’t going to get much more than salary matching expiring contracts. He’s washed as a player. He needs to have no injury history to be effective with his style. That point has long passed.
I’m surprised he’s suiting up for the Grizzlies again.
Considering how low his trade value is, partially because of his injuries and how poor his form has been, you’d think if he gets badly hurt again, the Grizz might just be stuck with him. Plus Cam Spencer has been a nice surprise as a play creator.
Magic 8-Ball says…. he’s a late scratching from the game due to gluteo dolens (butt-hurt).
The Sunday game is in London, not Berlin.
Active til he breaks the law again, pulls a gun on someone, slaps an ex gf, pulls a muscle, or just generally not interested in playing
I like the photo – perfect for a caption contest. I’ll go first:
“Hey, Ja, how much of your potential will you ever reach?”
Would never take this guy, not even for a used sneaker.
Morant deserves all the criticism about his behavior. Yet his behavior has never made him a worse player. Or gotten him out of shape. Or burnt himself out by partying all the time. He is a two time all star at 26 yrs old. ……. In London — 28 mins, 24 pts, 13 ast, 5 reb.
He is absolutely worth looking into for right team. Especially at a discounted price. I don’t see him staying in Memphis now.
I still don’t think he plays.