Morant's return ignites FedEx Forum with electrifying play and unresolved trade whispers, fueling a tight loss and a tense future.
Ja Morant’s return to FedEx Forum brought energy, edge, and unanswered questions, all packed into a two-point loss that reflected the Memphis Grizzlies’ uneasy moment.
In his first game back at home since publicly addressing trade speculation, Morant again looked like the engine of the Grizzlies. He produced across the box score Wednesday night against the Atlanta Hawks, but the performance came with visible tension and a dramatic ending in a 124-122 defeat.
Morant scored 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting and handed out 12 assists in 29 minutes. He added two rebounds, a steal, and three blocks, while also committing five turnovers as Memphis leaned heavily on him late. With the game on the line, Morant created separation for a 27-foot stepback jumper at the buzzer, but the shot came up short.
The night’s defining moment arrived earlier, midway through the second quarter. Morant drove hard to the rim and absorbed contact from Atlanta center Mohamed Gueye that went uncalled. As Morant tried to regain possession, Gueye tied him up, triggering a brief confrontation. Morant shoved Gueye in frustration, Gueye grabbed Morant’s jersey in response, and officials quickly issued double technical fouls to restore order.
The exchange mirrored the broader atmosphere surrounding Morant and the franchise. Memphis has spent recent weeks navigating internal and external uncertainty, including listening to trade offers for the two-time All-Star guard selected second overall in the 2019 draft. The rumors gained traction during what has been Morant’s least efficient season as a professional.
Entering the matchup, Morant was averaging career lows in shooting percentage, 3-point efficiency, and player efficiency rating. Team metrics only added to the scrutiny. Memphis’ net rating had been marginally better with Morant off the floor than on it, an uncomfortable data point for a player long considered untouchable.
Those numbers followed Morant across the Atlantic earlier this month. He missed Memphis’ game against the Orlando Magic in Berlin as part of the NBA Global Games, sidelined by a right calf bruise that extended his absence to six straight games. The decision drew public disappointment from commissioner Adam Silver, and the day was further complicated when Morant was recorded in a heated exchange with teammate Vince Williams Jr. during shootaround.
Morant returned to action Sunday in London, immediately restoring rhythm to the Grizzlies’ offense with 24 points and 13 assists in a 126-109 win over Orlando. His postgame comments cut sharply against the swirl of speculation that had followed him for weeks.
After that game, Morant spoke directly to the narrative surrounding his future.
“If anybody in here knows me, I’m a very loyal guy,” Morant said. "I got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be.”
Those remarks echoed sentiments Morant shared days earlier when he addressed reporters for the first time since trade rumors surfaced. Asked whether he expected to remain with Memphis beyond the Feb. 5 deadline, Morant pushed back at the framing before acknowledging the lack of control he has over the situation.
“I’m the only one you asked that question to?” Morant said.
When pressed on how he was processing the rumors, he added that all he could do was “live with it.”
Wednesday’s game showed both sides of Morant’s current reality. He remains Memphis’ most dynamic creator, capable of commanding the floor and nearly stealing games late. At the same time, frustration still bubbles near the surface, and the margin between progress and turmoil feels thin.
For now, Morant is back in Memphis, playing through noise and scrutiny. Whether that loyalty he speaks of is rewarded with stability — or tested by change — may define the Grizzlies’ direction as the deadline draws closer.