Ja Morant’s Simple Eight-Word Message Hits Different as Grizzlies Trade Rumors Swirl

The Memphis Grizzlies are basically tearing it down and starting over. They already shipped Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Jazz. Desmond Bane is headed to Orlando. And now the NBA Draft is a few days away, which means everybody is waiting to see if Ja Morant is next out the door.

Morant posted something on X Tuesday night that felt like a response to the noise, even if he didn’t say so directly. Eight words: “If you got dreams, you better chase ’em.”

Is he talking about his own future? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just a guy scrolling his phone and typing something that sounded good. The Grizzlies haven’t confirmed anything about a trade. But the rumors are getting louder by the hour, and Morant has never been one to stay quiet when he has something on his mind.

Rocky stretch in Memphis

The relationship between Morant and the Grizzlies has been complicated for a while now. The 2023-24 season was a disaster. He got suspended 25 games for conduct detrimental to the league, came back for nine games, then hurt his shoulder and was done for the year.

Last season was better. He played 50 games, helped the team make the playoffs, and looked more like the old Ja. But this season? Injuries wrecked everything. He only played 20 games before a left elbow UCL sprain shut him down for good.

And then there was the stuff with first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo. Morant didn’t hide his frustration. Multiple reports floated the idea that the tension played a role in Memphis even considering moving him.

At 26 years old, Morant is still a two-time All-Star with a résumé that most teams would love to have. In 327 career games he’s averaging 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds while shooting just under 47% from the floor. The three-point shooting is rough (31.1%) but when he’s healthy and locked in, he’s one of the most electric guards in the league.

The off-court history might shrink the list of teams willing to take a swing on him. But if a franchise believes he can get back to the level he was at two years ago, the potential payoff is massive. The Grizzlies have already made it clear they’re not afraid to make painful moves. Whether Morant’s dream includes Memphis or some other city might become clear in the next few days.