The Memphis Grizzlies anticipate guard Ja Morant will be available on Sunday when the club meets the Orlando Magic in Berlin, a development that could add urgency to ongoing trade discussions involving the former All-Star.
Morant has not appeared in a game since sustaining a right calf injury on Jan. 2. “There’s a good chance he plays. He went through the full practice today and now we’ve just got to see how his body responds in the morning,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters, noting that final clearance will hinge on the player’s comfort level.
The 26-year-old has been limited to 18 games this season because of multiple injuries and a one-game suspension in early November for conduct detrimental to the team. He is averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists in 28.3 minutes while shooting a career-low 40.1 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Iisalo said the two maintain “a very good working relationship” and are focused on daily improvement, but speculation about Morant’s future has intensified since reports surfaced last week that Memphis is evaluating trade offers.
The Timberwolves, Kings, Heat, Bucks, Raptors, Nets and Mavericks have been identified as potential suitors, though no talks are believed to have reached an advanced stage. Morant is in the third season of a five-year, $197.2 million contract that carries two more guaranteed years. His trade value has dipped in recent campaigns amid declining production and off-court concerns.
Source: Hoops Rumors
