Ja Morant Calls Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade “Difficult,” Says He Hopes to Remain With Grizzlies
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant spoke publicly on Saturday for the first time since suffering a UCL sprain in his left elbow on Jan. 21, saying the recent trade that sent forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz was “difficult” for him to accept.
“I wasn’t a fan of it, but it’s a business,” Morant told reporters before the Grizzlies’ game, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. The deal removed another key piece from the roster that helped Memphis reach the playoffs in recent seasons and reignited speculation about Morant’s own future with the franchise.
The 24-year-old guard said he still wants to be in Memphis despite pre-deadline rumors suggesting he could be moved. “Why can’t I be? I’ve been happy this whole time,” he said. When pressed on whether he expects to remain with the team next season, Morant added, “I hope so. You would know more than me. The internet is right there.”
Morant also provided an update on his elbow, noting that cross-court passes with his injured arm continue to cause discomfort. “If I’m whipping a pass to the opposite side with that hand, that’s the biggest problem,” he explained. He hopes to return to the lineup before the season ends and believes his playing style will still mesh with the retooled roster. “Just whatever Ja brings to the table,” he said.
Source: Hoops Wire
