Ja Morant

Temetrius Jamel “Ja” Morant (born August 10, 1999) is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his explosive leaping ability and acrobatic finishes, Morant ascended from an unranked high school recruit to an NBA superstar and the face of the Grizzlies franchise.

As of February 11, 2026, Morant’s career has entered a complex phase defined by elite on-court production, recurring injuries, and trade speculation following a series of off-court controversies.

 

Early Life 

“The Backyard”

Morant was born in Dalzell, South Carolina, to Tee and Jamie Morant. His father, Tee, was a high school teammate of Ray Allen and played at Claflin University; he famously gave up a professional career overseas to stay home and raise Ja after Jamie became pregnant.

Ja’s development was famously unconventional. Lacking elite speed as a middle schooler, he trained in his backyard on a court his father built, practicing jumping drills using tractor-trailer tires to increase his explosiveness. Despite being a three-time All-Region MVP at Crestwood High School, he was largely ignored by major Division I programs.

College Career: Murray State (2017–2019)

Morant was discovered by accident when a Murray State assistant coach, James Kane, saw him playing in a side gym while scouting a different player.

• Sophomore Breakout: In the 2018–19 season, Morant became the first player in NCAA history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists per game since the stat was officially tracked in 1983.
• NCAA Tournament: He gained national stardom by recording a triple-double (17 points, 16 assists, 11 rebounds) to lead Murray State to an upset over Marquette in the 2019 tournament.

NBA Career 

Memphis Grizzlies (2019–Present)

The Grizzlies selected Morant with the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact, winning the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Peak and Controversy

Morant’s trajectory peaked in 2021–22 when he averaged 27.4 points, won the Most Improved Player award, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team. However, his career was later marred by off-court incidents. In 2023, he received two significant suspensions from the NBA for brandishing firearms on social media, leading to a loss of major endorsements and a 25-game suspension to start the 2023–24 season.

2025–2026 Season and Trade Rumors

As of February 2026, Morant is currently sidelined with a left-elbow UCL sprain sustained on January 21, 2026, against the Atlanta Hawks. He is expected to be re-evaluated in mid-to-late February.

Following the 2026 trade deadline, reports have surfaced that the Grizzlies intend to revisit trade talks involving Morant during the 2026 offseason, citing concerns over his availability and a desire to reset the roster.

 

Career Highlights & Awards

• 2× NBA All-Star (2022, 2023)
• All-NBA Second Team (2022)
• NBA Most Improved Player (2022)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (2020)
• Consensus First-team All-American (2019)
• Bob Cousy Award (2019)

Personal Life

Morant has a daughter, Kaari J, born in 2019. He remains extremely close to his family; his father, Tee, is a constant presence at Grizzlies games and international exhibitions, such as the NBA’s 2026 London game. Despite recent trade rumors, Morant recently cited his loyalty to Memphis, showcasing a tattoo of the team’s logo as a symbol of his commitment to the city.