Ja Morant was one of the most discussed players in the NBA heading into the trade deadline, but the Grizzlies guard hadn’t made any public comments since January 21, when he suffered a UCL sprain in his left elbow. That changed on Saturday as Morant conducted a pregame session with reporters, as Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal writes.
Just as he did at a January press conference in Berlin, Morant stuck to short answers while still expressing his opinion on a variety of topics, including the surprising trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah last month. Morant called that deal, which sent away another core member of Memphis’ last playoff team, “difficult.”
“I wasn’t a fan of it,” he replied, “but it’s a business, so, like I told him, he’s been a pro for eight years now, so continue to be that.”
Trade rumors surrounding Morant began to percolate roughly two months ago when sources told The Commercial Appeal that the team was willing to listen to offers. None of those offers turned out to be good enough, but the Grizzlies are expected to renew their pursuit of a deal this summer.
General manager Zach Kleiman has stated that the team is looking to get younger, and Morant’s contract, which pays him more than $87MM over the next two years, could be burdensome for an organization that’s not expected to be a contender.
Although Morant has clashed with head coach Tuomas Iisalo since he was appointed late last season, he said on Saturday that he enjoys being in Memphis and would like to remain with the team.
“Why can’t I be? I’ve been happy this whole time,” Morant said.
Reporters pressed him on the subject, asking if he believes he’ll still be with the Grizzlies next season.
“I hope so,” Morant said. “You would know more than me. The internet is right there. Everything you’re asking me has been on the internet.”
Morant also discussed the injury that has kept him out of action for more than six weeks. He still feels discomfort in the elbow, especially when he tries to make a cross-body pass.
“If I was basically whipping a pass to the opposite side with that hand is the biggest problem,” Morant said. “Other than that, I feel like I can fight through it, but also still have to be smart.”
Morant added that he hopes to return at some point this season and doesn’t think he’ll need time to recondition because the injury doesn’t affect his legs. He believes he can adapt to a core of Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells as easily as he did with his former teammates.
“The same I would fit with any other team,” Morant said. “Just whatever Ja brings to the table.”
What a horrible run org. Sell this team, fire everyone and move it to Seattle.
Na it’s not. They drafted what they thought was a franchise player. The player is no longer a franchise player and never will be. He’s a lower level John wall. So instead of doing like the Washington wizards and the Portland trail blazers did after lamarcus Aldridge left and continue to be mediocre year after year after year they’re deciding to go ahead and tear it down and see if they can try to build it back up from the top. Too me it’s Smart. They got 8 picks out of two player. Even if you keep JA. The pic they get this year maybe one more year will be enough to have the team better than where they were. Some teams hang on to mediocre Stars. Toronto Is an example of a team getting off of a player that will never put you over the hump in demar DeRozan just a glorified score. I actually think Memphis is headed in the right direction
Maybe. I get the plan, but as a Sixers fan who went through what turned out to be a very flawed “process”, you still need to make the right moves with all those draft assets.
The pictures are completely different. They tricked the system and completely disrespected the game of basketball draft a year after year after year for 5 or 6 years. Putting nobody out there. They also completely botched two number one overall pick 33 through five picks. And got lucky with embiid. Letting Butler go. The list goes on and on tbh
I think Memphis looks around at other teams and the new cap and decided it wants to get its payroll down. Why else would they trade their best 3 players? Going younger with low paid players makes sense but likely not for its fans.
Ja Morant you are a Miami Heat next year.
A guy that can’t stay out of trouble in Memphis Tennessee is going to be a choir boy in South Beach I have no doubt.
Doesnt mean Miami won’t make the best offer.
Miami is going after bigger fish. From the Mediterranean.
Miami is the last place he should go. They work to hard there and those streets will call for him.
I give the Morant interview…2 GUNS UP
Ja referring to himself in the third person is so golden.
I think he can still be a very good (not great) player in the league, and I think Miami makes sense. News flash: you can get into trouble in any of the wonderful cities that host an NBA franchise. Miami is no more risky in that regard than Memphis. I guess SLC may be a little different, but (and this is always true) wherever you go, there you are!
Morant is D Rose 2.0.
Don’t disrespect Rose like that
That makes me laugh.. ja Morant uttering the phrase ‘still have to be smart.’ He should have it tattooed on his forehead in reverse so he has that reminder every time he looks in the mirror.
I actually wouldn’t be surprised if they buy him out over the off-season. The alternative is attaching some of the draft picks they just acquired to entice somebody to take on that awful contract. Buy him out and stretch that money over 4 years, somebody will take a flyer on Ja for the mid-level.