It has been another tough season for Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Morant looked like one of the future faces of the league. He made consecutive All-Star appearances in 2022 and 2023. He was also named Rookie of the Year after the 2019-20 season. In 2022, he was named the league’s Most Improved Player.
However, legal battles and repeated injuries have derailed his career. Most recently, he sustained another injury on Wednesday as the Atlanta Hawks edged his team 124-122. Now, reports place him squarely on the block as the trade deadline approaches.
How Long Will Ja Morant Be Out?
Morant has played just 20 games and has experienced a big dip in many of his averages. He plays 28.5 minutes per game, averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. He shoots just 41.0% from the field and 23.5% from three. His abysmal shooting numbers mark the worst of his career. Oddly, he hits a career-high 89.7% from the free-throw line.
Morant had previously been out since Jan. 2, but he returned to play in Sunday’s 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic before suffering a new injury shortly afterward.
However, shortly after his return, he suffered a right UCL sprain in the Grizzlies’ loss to the Hawks, which has now sidelined him again.
The Grizzlies offered the following update on Morant: “Morant sustained a UCLA sprain in his left elbow during the team’s home game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 21. He is expected to make a full recovery and will be reevaluated in approximately three weeks. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.”
The @memgrizz today announced the following medical update for Ja Morant. pic.twitter.com/0UTXPJfIEF
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 24, 2026
Per Jeff Stotts of Roto Wire, baseball players frequently sustain these types of injuries, which often sideline them for lengthy stretches with Tommy John surgery. In basketball, players typically face much shorter recovery periods, as reflected in the Grizzlies’ report.
New Ja Morant Injury Update: Elbow UCL injuries are commonplace in baseball (think Tommy John) but not in the NBA. Average missed time lost for a mild to moderate UCL elbow sprain? ~11. 8 games (~22 days).
— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) January 24, 2026
“Elbow UCL injuries are commonplace in baseball (think Tommy John) but not in the NBA,” writes Stotts. “Average missed time lost for a mild to moderate UCL elbow sprain? ~11. 8 games (~22 days).”
Morant’s New Injury Is a Fresh Blow to His Trade Market
The Grizzlies are starting just 18-25. They traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in the offseason. Many believe Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time All-Star (2023, 2025), may be on the block.
If Morant is to miss three months or longer, he will still be out of action once the February 5 trade deadline passes. This could make teams more reluctant to take on Morant and his potential baggage.
Although this seems to be a relatively minor injury, Morant’s history is concerning. He hasn’t played more than 50 games since the 2022-23 season. Another setback could deter teams from giving up any real draft capital or young assets for Morant.
The Miami Heat were once viewed as a favorite to land Morant. The Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly no longer pursuing Morant. The Toronto Raptors don’t seem particularly interested in moving for Morant either.
As the deadline approaches, a team could strike a deal for Morant without giving up the farm. There’s a chance he is still dealt. The Grizzlies may have to face the fact that Morant doesn’t have nearly the value he did just a few seasons ago. Of course, at just 26 years old, Morant has time to bounce back.
