The Memphis Grizzlies plan to be without Ja Morant for some time.
On Monday, the Grizzlies released an official injury update on the star guard, confirming that he is dealing with a calf strain. After further testing, Morant has been put on a multi-week timeline to recover.
"The Memphis Grizzlies today provided the following medical update on guard Ja Morant: Morant sustained a Grade 1 right calf strain in the first quarter of the Grizzlies' road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 15. He will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks."
With Morant leaving the Grizzlies' lineup for some time, NBA fans have thrown their speculation caps on and assume that it's still only a matter of time before the Grizzlies part ways with the veteran guard.
@dbookownsyou: More like, JA Morant has requested a trade and will be sidelined until the team can find a trade for him.
@NBAandChill: Trade him to the Wolves
@slavaukraini10k: uh huh surrrrrre
@Kameel888: Trade incoming
@SoberGeezer: Once he’s traded he’ll be healthy.
The Grizzlies have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this year. Early on, Morant seemed frustrated, and public comments about the coaching staff led many to believe he's growing disgruntled to the point where he might force his way out of Memphis. Morant's postgame comments back in October led to a short suspension.
"According to them, probably don't play me, honestly," Morant told reporters, responding to a question about what the Grizzlies could've done differently in a loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. "That's basically what the message was after." The speculation only grew when Morant confirmed he lost his joy recently.
@AIR305: Doubt he’s even injured. He fed up with the entire organization
@LegenJerryAD: Translation: "Ja Morant isn't injured at all but will be re-evaluated by the team we trade him to in 2 weeks"
@HeatCulture13: It's time for both to just part ways
You can see it in the numbers with Morant and the Grizzlies. Through 12 games, Morant has averaged 17.9 points per game, shooting 35 percent (career-low) from the field. The last time he averaged fewer than 20 points per game was during the 2020-2021 NBA season, when Morant was in the midst of his second season.
It's not rare for a player to get moved while in the midst of an injury recovery. However, there hasn't been any real smoke behind a trade for Morant out of Memphis just yet. NBA fans seem to be under the impression that Morant will soon see his final days with the Grizzlies. The NBA world will have to wait for his return to see how the situation plays out further.
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