Grizzlies Provide Updates on Morant, Caldwell-Pope's Injuries

Memphis guards face different timelines as team looks to rebuild around young core

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Memphis Grizzlies released medical updates on star guard Ja Morant and veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as the team navigates injuries during its rebuild. Morant is dealing with ongoing discomfort and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, while Caldwell-Pope is undergoing a procedure on his pinky finger that will sideline him for an undetermined period.

Why it matters

The Grizzlies have initiated a rebuild, moving on from Jaren Jackson Jr. but keeping Morant on the roster. His health and return to play timeline are crucial as the team looks to raise his trade value in the offseason. Caldwell-Pope's injury also provides an opportunity for younger wings like Scotty Pippen Jr., Jaylen Wells, and Cedric Coward to get more playing time.

The details

Morant was averaging 23.5 points and 9.4 assists in his six starts since Christmas, but the team says he is continuing to experience discomfort. He'll be re-evaluated in two weeks, with the earliest return to action coming in early March. Caldwell-Pope, Memphis' second-highest paid player, is having a procedure done on his pinky finger to address a misalignment, sidelining him indefinitely.

  • Morant's re-evaluation is scheduled for two weeks from now.
  • Caldwell-Pope's procedure and timeline will be announced in the coming days.

The players

Ja Morant

The star guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who is dealing with an injury and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The veteran guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who is undergoing a procedure on his pinky finger and will be sidelined indefinitely.

Zack Edey

The young center for the Memphis Grizzlies who is also currently sidelined with an injury.

Scotty Pippen Jr.

A young wing player for the Memphis Grizzlies who has recently returned and will see an increase in playing time with Caldwell-Pope's injury.

Jaylen Wells

A young wing player for the Memphis Grizzlies who will also see more playing time with Caldwell-Pope's injury.

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What they’re saying

“The @memgrizz today announced the following medical updates for Ja Morant and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope:”

— Grizzlies PR (Twitter)

What’s next

The Grizzlies will continue to monitor Morant's progress and provide further updates on his return to play timeline. Caldwell-Pope's procedure and recovery timeline will be announced in the coming days.

The takeaway

The Grizzlies' rebuild is in full swing, with injuries to key veterans like Morant and Caldwell-Pope opening the door for younger players to get more opportunities. The team's focus will be on developing its young core, including Edey, Wells, and Pippen Jr., while also trying to raise Morant's trade value in the offseason.