Ja Morant addressed trade rumors at a press conference in Berlin ahead of Thursday’s game against Orlando, but his responses were brief and guarded, writes Joe Vardon of The Athletic. Speculation that Morant might be moved before the February 5 deadline has been rampant since ESPN’s Shams Charania reported last Friday that Memphis is listening to offers.
Asked during his six-minute meeting with reporters how the rumors are affecting him, Morant said, “Live with it.”
Morant’s other statements were similarly short, Vardon adds. In response to a question about whether he expects to still be with the Grizzlies after the deadline passes, Morant responded, “I’m the only one you asked that question to?” Queried about the response of Memphis fans to a potential deal, he stated, “I think y’all should be more worried about my reaction and not other people. Like, my reaction is more important.”
The only real insight Morant offered was regarding his relationship with head coach Tuomas Iisalo, which was strained early in the season, resulting in a one-game suspension after a locker room confrontation. Morant indicated that things have improved, saying, “He cool. I don’t think we’ve had too many ups and downs. That’s just y’all on the outside looking in thinking that.”
The Grizzlies announced that Morant will miss Thursday’s game, which will be his sixth straight absence, due to a right calf contusion. It’s the third time he has been listed as “out” instead of “questionable” in the pregame injury report since Charania’s report surfaced. League sources told Vardon that Morant informed at least two teammates, along with other NBA players, that he doesn’t play to play for Memphis again.
However, Vardon points out that Morant is still classified as a “star” by the NBA, and the overseas contests, which are being televised by Prime Video, are considered “national TV” games. League rules require “star” players to participate in those games unless they can show proof of a legitimate injury, so Morant’s status for Sunday will be worth watching.
Morant plans to meet with members of his business team while in Europe to consider his future, according to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, who hears that the Heat have become an “attractive option” to his camp over the past few days.
Miami’s reputation for attention to detail and structure is appealing to Morant, Iko adds, and he has “a deep respect” for head coach Erik Spoelstra. The Heat coach also runs Team USA, and Morant hopes to represent his country at the 2028 Summer Olympics. Iko states that Morant views Miami’s veteran presence as another positive.
Morant has two years and $87MM left on his current contract after this season, and sources tell Iko that he’s hoping to receive a max extension by next summer. That’s unlikely to happen with the current situation in Memphis, but rebuilding his reputation in Miami could be the best path toward a huge payday.