Ja Morant shuts down trade rumors after controversial celebration by citing Grizzlies tattoo

Ja Morant announced his return to NBA action with a bang.

The Memphis Grizzlies superstar guard posted a game-high 24 points, five rebounds, 13 assists, and a steal in a 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic at the O2 Arena in London, England on Sunday.

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This was the 26-year-old’s first outing since January 3, having been out of the lineup dealing with a right calf contusion.

But with the Grizzlies having blown a 20-point lead in Berlin Germany – their first of two international games in Europe against the Magic – after the Anthony Black slam dunk heard around the world, they were not going to let lightning strike twice.

Ahead of the contest in London, there was still some speculation over whether Morant was ready to feature.

But optimism grew after he had no restrictions in Saturday’s practice, which led to Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo revealing exclusively to talkSPORT that he expected Morant to play some part in the game.

Morant’s name has been in the headlines around the NBA of late after reports emerged that Memphis were – for the first time – entertaining trade offers for the two-time All-Star.

But after his stellar performance in the Grizzlies’ win on Sunday, Morant shut down the rumors that he wanted out of the organization.

“Anybody in here who knows me — I’m a very loyal guy,” Morant said, per talkSPORT contributor Marc Stein.

“I’ve got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be,” he added referring to a tattoo he has of the team logo.

Initial reports had linked Morant with a trade to the Miami Heat, but these rumors have since been dispelled by NBA insider Stein as it could jeopardize a potential move for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“One well-placed league source insisted to me that the Miami Heat should be scratched as a Ja Morant suitor,” Stein wrote on Sunday. 

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“Even if the terms are favorable, if such a move jeopardizes a future trade run at Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.”

Morant causes more controversy

Although Morant showcased to the NBA why he is still one of the most explosive players in the league, his performance didn’t come without some controversy.

After draining a three-pointer to extend the Grizzlies’ lead over Orland to 30 points in the second quarter, the guard was shown to have brought out the Bazooka celebration.

Morant was suspended twice in the 2023-24 season for incidents involving guns, the second of which resulted in him being handed a 25-game ban.

“He still doesn’t get it…I don’t think he ever will…,” one fan posted to X (formerly Twitter) in response to the celebration.

“Bro is a demon istg ,” another wrote.

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“His antics is getting so old lmfao,” a third user commented.

The Grizzlies stretched the lead out to 33 points at one point in the contest, but unlike in Berlin, the Magic were unable to rally back, handing Memphis only their third win in their last 10 outings.

“That’s just credit to coach putting us in the best spots possible and then just me being Ja and wind up making the right play whether it’s passing or scoring,” Morant said.

“We got into a great rhythm early, got a big lead, after that it’s just managing.”

Despite some controversy over the celebration, the fans in attendance were delighted that they got to watch Morant take to the floor, with the support that he received greatly appreciated by the superstar guard.

“Just being able to play basketball — it’s very therapeutic for me,” Morant said after the win. “I know what I’m capable of out there on the court and I was able to show that tonight.

“It was big-time, walking off and representing Memphis is what it’s all about.”

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