Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant
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Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant were teammates on the Memphis Grizzlies from 2019 to 2025.
Amid trade rumors surrounding Ja Morant before the deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies shockingly traded Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. More than a month after it happened, Morant has finally revealed his reaction to the deal.
Speaking to Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal, Morant opened up about Jackson’s trade to the Jazz.
“I wasn’t a fan of it, but it’s a business, so, like I told him, he’s been a pro for eight years now, so continue to be that,” Morant said.
The Grizzlies acquired Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, Kyle Anderson and three first-round picks from the Jazz, as reported by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. They parted ways with Jackson, John Konchar, Vince Williams Jr. and Jock Landale.
Clayton and Hendrick have become part of Memphis’ rotation, while Niang and Anderson have been waived.
According to Hoops Rumors’ Luke Adams, the future first-round picks are a 2027 top-four protected pick from the Los Angeles Lakers, a 2027 favorable pick of either the Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers or Minnesota Timberwolves, and an unprotected pick from the Phoenix Suns in 2031.
Morant Wants to Stay in Memphis
In the same interview with Damichael Cole, Morant also discussed the rumors surrounding him throughout the season until the trade deadline. The Grizzlies decided to keep their franchise player amid his elbow injury that has kept him out since January 21.
When asked if he wants to stay in Memphis, Morant is hoping for the best:
“I hope so. You would know more than me. The internet is right there. Everything you’re asking me has been on the internet.”
Morant was linked to multiple teams before the deadline, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings. Despite the rumors, he thinks he will fit with the team’s young core that features Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells.
Even GG Jackson II, Clayton and Hendricks have the potential to be really good contributors for the franchise.
Injury Update on Morant
Ja Morant
GettyJa Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is dealing with a sprained UCL in his left elbow.
The Grizzlies announced on Friday that Morant will remain out for at least two weeks due to a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. Morant told The Commercial Appeal that he’s still feeling discomfort in his left elbow that doesn’t allow him to make a cross-body pass.
“If I was basically whipping a pass to the opposite side with that hand is the biggest problem,” Morant said. “Other than that, I feel like I can fight through it, but also still have to be smart.”
The Grizzlies initially ruled out Morant for two to three weeks, then added two more weeks before the latest update. The 26-year-old star has only played in 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.0 steals. He is having the worst shooting percentages of his career at 41.0% from the field and 23.5% from beyond the arc.
Morant’s campaign began with reports of his unhappiness with coach Tuomas Iisalo. He was even suspended for one game back in November due to conduct detrimental to the team.