Ja Morant denies rift, will ‘live with’ trade if Memphis pulls trigger

Ja Morant is with the Memphis Grizzlies for their European trip, but his name continues to surface in trade rumors ahead of the NBA’s deadline next month.

Morant said Wednesday, January 14, he will “live with it” should the Grizzlies decide to move him as reports surfaced he prefers the Miami Heat as a destination.

He also denied there is friction with Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo, who pointed to Morant’s health —  and not their relationship — as the reason he’s not in the lineup.

“We are not in the business of commenting on random internet reports,” Iisalo said. “He’s progressing in the practices.”

Sidelined since January 2, Morant, 26, has a right calf contusion and it’s unclear when he’ll play his 19th game of the season.

Morant was ruled out for Thursday’s game against Orlando Magic in Berlin. The teams will play again on Sunday in London.

Memphis suspended Morant for one game in November after an argument with Iisalo. Morant is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game in Berlin. He said Wednesday he and Iisalo are “cool.”

“I don’t think we’ve had too many ups and downs. That’s just y’all on the outside looking in thinking that,” Morant said.

Morant’s current contract — a five-year, $197-million deal — expires after the 2027-2028 season. He’s eligible for a three-year, $178-million extension next summer.

Without signing him to an extension, any team taking on Morant at the February trade deadline would owe him the balance of his existing deal: the remainder of his $39.4 million salary for the current season, $42.1 million next season and $44.9 million for 2027-2028.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Morant is playing fewer minutes this season, averaging a career-low 28.3 to go with 19 points and 7.6 assists per game.

In 325 career games, he has averages of 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and one steal per game. – Rappler.com