Grizzlies' Ja Morant addresses trade rumors with definitive message

Matthew Wadleigh

Grizzlies' Ja Morant addresses trade rumors with definitive message image

The Memphis Grizzlies made waves by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for a massive haul. 

The Grizzlies landed Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and four first-round picks in a shocking blockbuster deal. 

Immediately, fans wondered if Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr. were the next ones set to leave Memphis. But that doesn't seem to be the case per recent reports. 

"More star trades, however, are not expected. Sources told ESPN that the Grizzlies are not looking to deal either of their two remaining franchise cornerstones," ESPN's Tim Bontemps wrote on Sunday.

On Tuesday, Morant himself took to X with a strong message as his name swirled in trade discussions: 

"& ima be in dat 901 🐻 source : ME !!" 

The 901 Morant referred to is the area code for the city of Memphis, and it's quite the statement from the Grizzlies star to make publicly. 

On the other hand, it aligns with the reporting from ESPN regarding the Grizzlies' desire to keep both Jackson and Morant in town despite moving on from Bane. 

Memphis landed the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and they also hold a pair of second-round picks, so they can add some talent to the roster. 

For now, it sure doesn't seem that Morant will be going anywhere. 

MORE TRADE NEWS:

 Why the Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane away

Why the Magic would make this Desmond Bane trade

Matthew Wadleigh

Matthew Wadleigh is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He was born and raised in Southern California and grew up a San Diego sports fan (yes, it’s tough, except for Aztecs hoops). Matthew went to Fresno State as a journalism major and got to see Davante Adams, Derek Carr, Paul George and Aaron Judge in person. Matthew has written for publications including ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Fansided, Trojans Wire, UCLA Wire and Buffaloes Wire.