Grizzlies Address 'Overblown' Ja Morant Situation After Trade Deadline

Memphis EVP Zach Kleiman says team remains supportive of star player despite roster overhaul

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:23pm

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The Memphis Grizzlies made major roster changes at the NBA Trade Deadline, including trading away key players Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. This led to speculation about the future of star player Ja Morant, the only remaining member of the team's previous core. Grizzlies EVP Zach Kleiman addressed the situation, saying the team has been "incredibly supportive" of Morant and that the changes are about the organization's broader direction, not Morant specifically. Kleiman emphasized the team will continue to evaluate all players, including Morant, to determine if the "fit is there" moving forward.

Why it matters

The Grizzlies' dramatic roster moves have raised questions about the team's long-term plans and Ja Morant's future in Memphis. Kleiman's comments aim to provide clarity and reassure fans that the team remains committed to Morant, even as it undergoes a potential rebuilding phase.

The details

The Grizzlies made several major trades at the NBA Trade Deadline, including sending away Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. This led to speculation about the future of star player Ja Morant, the only remaining member of the team's previous core. Grizzlies EVP Zach Kleiman addressed the situation, saying the team has had "open, constructive, honest conversations" with Morant and his camp, and that the team will continue to evaluate all players, including Morant, to determine if the "fit is there" moving forward.

  • The Grizzlies made major roster changes at the NBA Trade Deadline in 2026.

The players

Ja Morant

The star player for the Memphis Grizzlies who remains on the team after a roster overhaul.

Zach Kleiman

The Executive Vice President of the Memphis Grizzlies who addressed the team's situation with Ja Morant.

Desmond Bane

A key player traded away by the Grizzlies at the NBA Trade Deadline.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Another key player traded away by the Grizzlies at the NBA Trade Deadline.

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What they’re saying

“I think we've been incredibly supportive. Because Ja is Ja, there's a lot of attention paid to Ja and everything around him. I honestly think a lot of it is overblown. I've had open, constructive, honest conversations with Ja and his camp, and I'm going to continue to.”

— Zach Kleiman, Executive Vice President, Memphis Grizzlies (clutchpoints.com)

“Ja remains a member of the team. We evaluate all our players. We have, and we will continue on, whether they're taking consistent action that lead to consistent positive outcomes for the team. With Ja and everyone else on the team, we will carry forward with an open mind on whether the fit is there.”

— Zach Kleiman, Executive Vice President, Memphis Grizzlies (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Grizzlies will continue to evaluate Ja Morant's fit with the team as they undergo a potential rebuilding phase following the major roster changes at the NBA Trade Deadline.

The takeaway

The Grizzlies are committed to being transparent about their plans for Ja Morant and the team's future direction, even as they undergo a significant roster overhaul. The organization remains supportive of Morant but will continue to assess whether he is the right long-term fit as they work to build a championship-contending team.