Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has endured a tumultuous season, battling trade rumors and injuries.
Morant’s latest setback is a left elbow UCL sprain suffered against Atlanta on Jan. 21.
On Jan. 24, the Grizzlies announced Morant would be out and re-evaluated in three weeks.
Ja Morant out Indefinitely
The Grizzlies guard attempted a chase-down block on Dyson Daniels, but his elbow smashed into the backboard. Morant’s pain wasn’t severe enough to keep him out; he finished with 23 points and 12 assists.
After the game, continued discomfort prompted further testing, which revealed a UCL sprain. If all goes well, Morant may be in contention to return for Memphis after the All-Star break, which concludes around Feb. 22.
Morant had just returned from a six-game absence (right calf contusion) and was regaining form before this setback.
In the Grizzlies’ recent tour of Europe, Morant put up back-to-back double-doubles in Berlin and London, producing 24 points and 13 assists in the latter.
The most recent setback is no good for Morant and his trade situation if the Grizzlies are to offload him before the trade deadline on Feb. 5.
Morant has been subject to intense trade speculation involving the New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat, and Sacramento Kings.
With Morant sidelined throughout the deadline, teams may be hesitant to pull the trigger on a superstar who’s suffered from frequent injuries.
The Grizzlies star has a near $200 million contract, so teams may be reluctant to jump to any quick conclusions in the next week and would rather wait until the summer.
In 2022, the Grizzlies signed Morant to a five-year, $197 million deal, which runs through the 2027/28 season.
The contract does not contain a no-trade clause or a player opt-out, but it does have a trade kicker. While Morant is out, the Grizzlies will rely on Jaren Jackson Jr., averaging 18.9 points and 5.7 rebounds.
Memphis is 11th in the Western Conference at 18-25, within reach of play-in spots. Without Morant, who was regaining his superstar form, it will be increasingly hard for the Grizzlies to keep pace with top teams.
The Clippers, who sit on 21 wins, have won the last two and have superstar Kawhi Leonard back in their ranks after coming back from injury.
The next three weeks are pivotal if the Grizzlies hope to maintain a play-in push without Morant. The Grizzlies face the Houston Rockets tonight before games against the Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Minnesota Timberwolves in back-to-back games
