Grizzlies retain key player Ja Morant despite tepid trade interest

Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant remains with the team following Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, several teams showed interest in the two-time All-Star’s skills, but none were prepared to make a substantial offer for Morant, who is currently out due to an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his left elbow.

The Grizzlies began fielding inquiries about Morant prior to the trade deadline in January, as noted by Charania. However, sources within the league reported only mild interest in the guard, partly due to concerns regarding his availability. Morant has participated in only 79 games since the beginning of the 2023-24 season and has been absent for 20 of the team’s 49 games this season due to suspensions and a lengthy list of injuries.

Morant is averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds, recording career-low figures in field-goal percentage (41.0%) and 3-point percentage (23.5%). The team announced on January 24 that the guard would be reassessed in three weeks following his latest injury issue.

Two days prior to the trade deadline, Memphis traded Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah, acquiring three first-round picks along with Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, and Georges Niang. This transaction resulted in a $28.8 million trade exception, the largest in NBA history, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

It seemed that this trade would pave the way for a roster overhaul and eventual rebuilding for the Grizzlies, but the organization was unable to trade Morant, who has two years and $87 million left on his contract after this season.

Morant, 26, conveyed a wish last month to stay in Memphis. The Grizzlies may consider potential trades for Morant again this summer.

“I’ve got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be,” Morant stated, referring to a tattoo of the Grizzlies’ logo on his back. “If anybody in here knows me, I’m a very loyal guy.”