Jackson Jr.'s subtle celebration honored a star amidst trade rumors, underscoring a brotherhood tested by Memphis's shifting franchise future.
A single 3-pointer carried far more weight than three points Friday night for the Memphis Grizzlies. When Jaren Jackson Jr. buried an early shot from beyond the arc against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 9, his reaction was immediate and unmistakable. Jackson turned and flashed Ja Morant’s familiar “block out the noise” celebration, a quiet but powerful nod to his teammate on a day that may come to define the Grizzlies’ direction.
The gesture came hours after news broke that the Grizzlies are willing to consider trade offers for Morant, a development that raised the possibility of a franchise-altering shift for a team built around him for years. Morant, sidelined with a calf contusion, watched from the bench as Memphis later let a 21-point lead slip away in a 117-116 loss.
Jackson, who like Morant has spent his entire career in Memphis, spoke after the game about the weight of the moment and what his partnership with Morant has meant.
Jackson described the emotional toll that accompanies moments when basketball business collides with personal relationships.
“The business of basketball, it takes a toll,” Jackson said.
He continued by reflecting on how much the two have experienced together since arriving in Memphis.
“And I told him too, I think we’ve seen it all. I think we’ve seen so many different things. But, you know, that’s my brother. I’m always feeling for him.”
Jackson emphasized that Morant remained present despite the circumstances, noting the atmosphere surrounding the team throughout the night.
“Yeah, man. It’s just a tough thing, man. But he showed up to the game, he’s still around. You can understand the mood, something like that,” Jackson said.
He also acknowledged the unique scrutiny Morant faces and the intensity that comes with it.
“And just, especially with someone like him, who’s just viral for freaking anything, it’s just intense, man.”
Jackson framed the moment as part of a broader reality faced by players whose careers unfold under constant public attention.
“We’re all growing up in the public eye, but it’s just intense. I feel for him. That’s my brother.”
Jackson closed his thoughts by underscoring the lasting personal impact Morant has had on him and the franchise.
“That side of the game plays out like it plays out. No matter what, he changed my life coming here. You know who he is.”
Morant missed his fourth consecutive game with a calf contusion, and there remains no clear timetable for his return. His absence loomed large late as the Grizzlies unraveled down the stretch against a Thunder team that erased a massive deficit to steal the win.
The loss capped a demanding day for Memphis, which had to absorb the Morant news and then quickly pivot to facing the defending NBA champions, albeit a short-handed Oklahoma City squad missing several key contributors.
The news reverberated through the locker room, particularly among younger players still adjusting to the realities of the league.
“I’m not going to say I didn’t expect it, and I’m going to say I was expecting it,” GG Jackson said.
He added that his focus remained on Morant’s presence with the team rather than speculation.
“I kind of thought things would just mellow over and get back to him being on the floor with us. Right now, I really don’t have no reaction. He still comes in the facility smiling with us, doesn’t let any of the outside noise affect him.”
Morant remained on the bench throughout the game, engaged with teammates as the night unfolded.
“Obviously we love Ja over here,” Jaylen Wells said.
For Jackson Jr., the brief celebration following his early 3-pointer was not about defiance or drama. It was a moment of solidarity — a reminder that, even as uncertainty swirls around the franchise, the bond between Memphis’ cornerstone players remains intact.