Opinion: Ja Morant may not return to the Grizzlies when healthy

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) waits for time to expire in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) ORG XMIT: TNBD

According to Rogers Sportsnet on Saturday, Memphis Grizzlies All-Star point guard Ja Morant of Dalzell, South Carolina is projected to be out the next three weeks with an elbow injury. Now the major question is who will Morant be playing for when he is healthy again?

With the NBA trade deadline being February 5, there is a lot of speculation that Morant will be one player who will be on the trade block. The Miami Heat is the one franchise that has been rumoured of showing the most interest. However, a trade has not emerged as of yet.

Morant was injured last Wednesday in a 124-122 Grizzlies loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He sprained his ulnar collateral ligament when he hit his elbow against the backboard when he blocked a shot by Dyson Daniels of the Hawks.

This is the second significant inquiry for Morant this season. He previously missed 20 games  with a calf injury.

But it is not really the injury issues as why teams may be hesitant in acquiring Morant. Over the last few seasons, Morant has had his fair share of legal troubles. On multiple occasions Morant has been seen waving a gun, and as a result has been suspended.

This season, Morant is averaging 19.5 points per game, 8.1 assists per game. 3.3 rebounds per game and one steal per game. He has a field goal percentage of .410, three point percentage of .235, and a free throw percentage of .897. Morant’s three-point percentage is a career low as he has only made 20 of 85 three point attempts. Motant has only played 20 games.