In his first game back in Memphis since expressing his loyalty amid trade rumors, Ja Morant continued his productive return to the Grizzlies’ lineup, although he didn’t do so without some element of drama.
In the second quarter, things got heated between Morant and Hawks center Mohamed Gueye. While trying to attack the rim, Morant drew contact from Gueye but no foul was called. As Morant tried to recover the ball, Gueye tied him up. Morant took exception and pushed Gueye, who then grabbed Morant’s jersey. The in-game kerfuffle led to both receiving double technical fouls.
Morant finished with 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting, 12 assists, two rebounds, one steal and three blocks in the Grizzlies’ 124-122 loss. He also committed five turnovers in 29 minutes of action.
It’s been a turbulent last few weeks for Morant and the Grizzlies, who have recently entertained trade offers for the two-time All-Star guard they selected second overall in 2019. The rumors grew amid what has been Morant’s least productive season in seven years as a pro. He entered Wednesday’s game against Atlanta averaging career-lows in shooting percentage (40.7), 3-point percentage (23.5) and player efficiency rating (16.1). The Grizzlies’ net rating entering Wednesday had been better with Morant off the court (plus-0.1) than when he played (minus-4.9), according to NBA.com.
Last Wednesday, Morant addressed the media for the first time since trade rumors started circulating and was asked whether he expected to be with the Grizzlies past the NBA’s Feb. 5 trade deadline.
“I’m the only one you asked that question to?” Morant replied. When asked for his reaction to the rumors, Morant said all he could do was “live with it.”
On Jan. 15, Morant sat out Memphis’ game against the Orlando Magic in Berlin, Germany as part of the NBA Global Games. The 26-year-old was out due to a right calf bruise, thus sitting him out for what was a sixth consecutive game, prompting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to express his disappointment about Morant missing the matchup. During that day’s shootaround, Morant was recorded having a heated exchange with teammate Vince Williams Jr.
On Sunday, Morant returned to the Grizzlies’ lineup in London, where he recorded 24 points and 13 assists as Memphis beat Orlando 126-109.
Afterward, Morant’s comments ran counter to the recent weeks of speculation and drama.
“If anybody in here knows me, I’m a very loyal guy,” Morant said after Sunday’s game. “I got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be.”