Morant expresses his desire to stay in Memphis, despite roster changes and trade speculation, emphasizing his happiness with the Grizzlies.
Ja Morant's future with the Memphis Grizzlies remains a looming question since his name was featured in trade talks before the Feb. 5 deadline. Many continue to consider him a prime candidate to be moved in the summer as the franchise continues an ongoing roster overhaul.
Before Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Morant dismissed the narrative that he isn't happy to be a member of the Grizzlies. Given the departures of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane signal a team undergoing a rebuild, many have assumed Morant would want to move on.
"Why can't I be? I've been happy this whole time," Morant said, via the Commercial Appeal.
He did not pretend to have clarity on where things stand.
"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."
Memphis had been open to listening to offers before the Feb. 5 deadline, but did not move him. The trade window closed with Morant still a Grizzly, though the conversations that took place made clear the organization is in the middle of a significant roster overhaul.
Morant is signed through the 2027-28 season, playing out a five-year, $197.2 million contract. When asked how he sees himself fitting alongside the players now surrounding him, he remained confident that he can help any team.
"The same I would fit with any other team," Morant said. "Just whatever Ja brings to the table."
Whether Kleiman views Morant as central to the next competitive window or continues fielding calls about him this offseason remains unanswered publicly. Morant, for his part, said he is not spending energy on what he cannot control.
The focus remains on getting Morant healthy and back on the court. He has not played since Jan. 21 due to a sprained ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow. The Grizzlies announced Thursday that he will be re-evaluated in two weeks after follow-up imaging showed incomplete healing of the injury.
He is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists across 20 appearances this season. For his career, Morant has averaged 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists over 327 games.