Ja Morant has been one of the most talked-about players in the NBA, both for his electric performances and for the controversies that have followed him on and off the court. Now entering his seventh season, the Memphis guard remains a franchise cornerstone, but questions linger. He has only taken the Grizzlies past the first round of the playoffs once, and with injuries adding to the uncertainty, the conversation about his long-term future in Memphis refuses to go away.
The Future Question
Grizzlies fans want to believe Morant will stay in Memphis for his entire career, but there are scenarios where that could change. If the team continues to struggle in the postseason, Morant could eventually ask for a move. On the other side, if the organization grows weary of his injuries and off-court distractions, they might decide to trade him while his value remains sky-high. For now, both sides hope it never reaches that point.
When healthy, Morant is one of the league’s most electrifying players. His highlights dominate social media, and his presence puts Memphis on the national stage despite being one of the smallest markets in the NBA.
The Value He Brings
Morant’s importance goes far beyond wins and losses. For the city of Memphis, he is more than a basketball star—he is arguably the most influential athlete the city has ever seen. His energy transforms FedExForum and shifts the entire atmosphere of the city when he’s playing at his peak.
Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague recently underscored that reality on the Club 520 Podcast. “Memphis is a cool team to watch when Ja Morant is playing,” Teague said. “When Ja’s not playing, don’t put Memphis on TV. And that’s not disrespect. He talks crazy, he competes, he’s not begging people to come play with him. I love that whole vibe.”
His co-host DJ Wells echoed the sentiment. “Even the vibe of the city is different. When Ja got it going, Memphis is a different city. The ‘Ja Effect’ is one thousand percent real.”
What It Means for the Grizzlies
The message is clear: Ja Morant is the heartbeat of Memphis basketball. The Grizzlies must do everything possible to keep him in a Sky-blue uniform for the long haul. Trading him would be more than just losing a player—it would mean stripping the city of its most powerful sports figure.
The Grizzlies know what they have. Now the responsibility is making sure he stays, both for the franchise and for the city that has rallied around him.
