Ja Morant's uncertain future with the Memphis Grizzlies recently hit an all-time high. As the team prepares for its clash with the Orlando Magic, Memphis will get another chance to see Morant in action for them.
Heading into the game, the Grizzlies upgraded Morant's status to probable, which came as a bit of a surprise. There won't be any last-minute changes to his status, as the Grizzlies officially upgraded Morant to available.
With trade rumors intensifying over the past week, many NBA fans speculated whether Morant played in his final game with the Grizzlies or not. One question gets answered on Sunday. Two more pop up.
Can Ja Morant Make It Work Again?
Nobody within the organization will come out and say how they really feel about the situation.
While Morant proved to be unfiltered enough at times to make it clear when and why he might be frustrated, very rarely does a player make a trade request public.
More Ja Morant News:Ja Morant Trade Being Eyed by Western Conference Team - But There's a Catch
Coaches and executives will always keep those discussions under wraps. There's way too much evidence to deny any real trade traction, however. Between Morant's early-season suspension due to his critical comments about coaching, and the handful of well-connected insiders connecting the dots on possible trade suitors, the Grizzlies are faced with an awkward situation surrounding their high-usage star.
If the chemistry is affected on the court, it could land the Grizzlies in a difficult spot as discussions are ongoing.
Where Do the Grizzlies Go From Here?
Multiple stretches of games didn't include Morant. The season has gone up and down for Memphis either way.
Morant hasn't played since January 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout this six-game stretch, the Grizzlies have won just two games. Heading into Sunday's game, the Grizzlies are 17-23 on the year. That record places them 11th in the Western Conference, trailing the Los Angeles Clippers by 0.5 games.
The Play-In isn't out of the question, but it's clear the Grizzlies' window of contention closed last season, with or without Morant in the picture. The Grizzlies don't seem to have a concrete direction, but a rebuild just might be in their immediate future. Morant's return could be a boost to help the Grizzlies make a Play-In run. It might end up being a trade showcase for the star, who is in the midst of a down year.
Sunday will serve as a good feel for the situation.
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