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Ja Morant addresses Grizzlies NBA trade deadline rumor: 'Live with it'
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- Ja Morant addresses Grizzlies NBA trade deadline rumor: 'Live with it'
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant spoke for the first time since his name surfaced in NBA trade rumors , but the point guard didn't have much to say when reporters probed for his reaction during a news conference ahead of the team's games against the Orlando Magic in Berlin and London this week.
"Live with it," Morant said on Wednesday, Jan. 14, according to video shown via the Grizzlies-owned Grind City Media YouTube channel .
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Morant then declined to answer if he expected to remain with the Grizzlies past the NBA trade deadline next month.
"I'm the only one you asked that question to? Who else you asked?" Morant said during the exchange. "… Next question."
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The Grizzlies (17-22) are fielding trade offers for Morant for the first time, according to multiple reports, with the franchise's relationship with the point guard appearing to have soured after the organization stood behind Morant throughout his off-court problems and injury issues in the past.
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Morant acknowledged "it's different" hearing his name attached to trade speculation, but otherwise kept his emotions about the situation to himself.
"I think everybody should be worried about my reaction and not other people. I think my reaction is more important," Morant said when asked about the feedback from Grizzlies fans, but he did not elaborate.
Ja Morant trade rumors
Morant has two years and more than $87 million left on his contract after this season. The Miami Heat , Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings are among the reported teams with some level of interest in acquiring Morant before the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, although what the Grizzlies can fetch in return is up for debate given Morant's recent decline in production, ongoing durability concerns and off-court problems of the past.
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Morant publicly clashed with first-year coach Tuomas Iisalo and served a one-game suspension in November, but he pushed back Wednesday on the narrative that the two are on bad terms.
"He cool. I don't think we've had too many ups and downs," Morant said. "That's just y'all, from the outside looking in, thinking that."
Ja Morant injury update
Morant, 26, is in the midst of a rough 2025-26 season, shooting a career-worst 40.1% from the field and 20.8% from 3-point range. He has played in just 18 of the Grizzlies' 39 games and has missed the team's previous five games leading into this Europe trip due to a right calf contusion.
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Morant said Wednesday he'll "hopefully" return in one of the next two games and Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo indicated there's a "chance" Morant could play. But the Grizzlies later officially ruled Morant out of Thursday's game in Berlin on their official injury report.
The Grizzlies are playing the Magic in consecutive games on Thursday, Jan. 15 in Germany and then again in London on Sunday, Jan. 18. It's the first meetings between the two teams since an offseason trade in which guard Desmond Bane went from Memphis to Orlando.
Now, the Grizzlies front office is considering deals for Morant. He declined to consider any what-ifs.
"I don't have any emotions, no look backs. It already happened, so I can't wish for it now," Morant said. "Just excited to see (Bane), catch up and share the floor together, hopefully."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ja Morant trade rumors: Grizzlies star reacts before NBA Berlin game
