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Ja Morant's Injury Complicates Grizzlies' Trade Decisions

1/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies guard, will miss at least three weeks with an elbow UCL sprain from a game against the Atlanta Hawks.
The injury sidelines him through the National Basketball Association (NBA) trade deadline on February 5, complicating potential trades.
The Grizzlies, 18-25 and outside playoff contention, must decide whether to build around Morant or explore trades.

History

Historical Context

The 2019 NBA season was marked by significant injuries impacting team strategies, notably the Golden State Warriors losing DeMarcus Cousins to an Achilles injury during a 57-win season. This situation parallels the Memphis Grizzlies' current dilemma regarding Ja Morant's elbow injury, highlighting the ongoing challenge teams face in balancing player health with competitive performance during critical trade periods.

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Story summary

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies guard, will miss at least three weeks with an elbow UCL sprain from a game against the Atlanta Hawks.
The injury sidelines him through the National Basketball Association (NBA) trade deadline on February 5, complicating potential trades.
The Grizzlies, 18-25 and outside playoff contention, must decide whether to build around Morant or explore trades.

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