The Memphis Grizzlies star hasn't seen the court since January, and won't for the remainder of the NBA season.
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has only appeared in 79 games over the last three seasons as a result of injuries and suspensions. In his 2025-26 NBA campaign, Morant has only played in 20 games. That led to little interest at the trade deadline despite the Grizzlies certainly exploring that market. Morant still has two years and over $87 million left on his contract. Morant hasn’t taken the court since Jan. 21 against the Atlanta Hawks, which was his second game back after missing time earlier this season with a calf injury. Morant suffered an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his left elbow, and Memphis announced Tuesday night that that the injury would end Morant’s season, ruling him out for the remainder of their campaign.
The two-time All-Star recently had a consultation on the lingering issues in his elbow and was recommended to receive a platelet-rich plasma injection which reportedly aids ligament healing. They expect Morant to be ready for the 2026-27 NBA season. He will return with a younger core after the Grizzlies dealt away four players ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, including Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. While they ultimately kept Morant, despite reports that they were open to trade offers in early January, they’ll now have to wait until next season to receive any dividends.
Here is the full story from Grizzlies Roundtable writer Grant Afseth on the disappointing update.
The best ability is availability, and Morant certainly hasn’t offered that to Memphis as of late. His production has taken a turn alongside his extended absences. The Grizzlies hope all of that makes a recovery in this shut down of Morant.