Desmond Bane defends Ja Morant's character, highlighting his deep loyalty and protective nature amid ongoing scrutiny and trade speculation.
Ja Morant’s season has been defined as much by injury and absence as by the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his future with the Memphis Grizzlies. The All-Star point guard, who is averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.6 assists in 12 games, remains sidelined with a right calf strain suffered Nov. 15 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. His recovery is progressing, but the combination of health concerns and external criticism has fueled continued debate about his long-term place in Memphis.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said on Dec. 4 that Morant is considered “day-to-day” and has begun participating in non-full-speed, non-contact work with the team. Morant was ruled out for Memphis’ Dec. 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers.
“He’s already moving and able to do some things with the team, so looking positive,” Tuomas Iisalo said.
The Grizzlies announced on Nov. 17 that Morant would be reevaluated in two weeks, and while progress has been encouraging, the organization remains cautious. Memphis has gone 4–8 in the games Morant has played and is 6–5 without him this season, with injuries elsewhere in the backcourt — including Scotty Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome and Javon Small — compounding the strain on the rotation.
As Morant works toward a return, speculation about his future has intensified. His recent comments directed at Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson drew further criticism, adding to a stretch in which off-court issues and team friction have placed his long-term standing in question.
Desmond Bane, however, offered a starkly different perspective. Appearing on Ryan Clark’s podcast, the Memphis Grizzlies guard defended Morant’s character and disputed the public narrative surrounding him.
“It was great from the jump,” Desmond Bane said. “I always talk about it — the way that the media and everybody tries to portray him is not who he is.”
Bane described Morant as someone who consistently looks after the people around him, citing off-court moments where Morant takes responsibility for the group’s safety and well-being.
“Say we go to kick it somewhere, he’s the dude who sets it up,” Bane said. “He’s going to make sure everybody is safe, getting home, they get some food.”
He added that Morant’s loyalty — often overlooked in national coverage — is one of his defining traits.
“He’s really trying to take care of you,” Bane said. “That’s probably one of the first things I noticed. He’s extremely loyal to his people.”
Once someone earns Morant’s trust, Bane said, that bond does not fade.
“Once you’re accepted in that circle and looked at as that, then he’s with you forever,” Bane said. “I was just texting with him the other day. All is well, it’s love for sure.”
Even as Morant progresses through his rehab, his name continues to surface in trade discussions. Teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat have been loosely connected as possible landing spots if the Grizzlies opt for a reset. Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade recently suggested that Memphis has used Morant as a public scapegoat for broader team issues, further fueling debate about whether a split might benefit both sides.
For now, the Grizzlies await Morant’s full return to the court. Whether that comeback happens in Memphis or eventually somewhere else, Bane’s defense of his teammate offers a counterpoint to the prevailing narrative — portraying a player he sees as loyal, caring and protective, rather than the one often described from afar.