Grizzlies' Ja Morant Out at Least 2 Weeks with Elbow Injury

Team keeps star player despite recent injuries, trades Jaren Jackson Jr. to Jazz

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:12am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's movements and actions, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes that capture the dynamic energy of the sport.The Grizzlies' decision to keep the injured Ja Morant on the team raises questions about the franchise's strategy and priorities.Memphis Today

The Memphis Grizzlies' star point guard, Ja Morant, is set to be sidelined for at least two more weeks as he continues his recovery from a left elbow sprain. This news comes as a disappointment to fans, especially after Morant's impressive performances in the previous season. However, the Grizzlies have decided to keep Morant on the team rather than trading him, choosing instead to send Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz.

Why it matters

Morant's absence will be felt by the Grizzlies, who are already dealing with injuries to other key players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The team's decision to keep Morant despite his recent injuries has raised eyebrows, as they opted to trade away Jaren Jackson Jr. instead.

The details

The 26-year-old Morant has only played in 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. With Morant out, the Grizzlies will turn to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who will undergo surgery for a right pinky finger misalignment. The team's recovery timeline for Caldwell-Pope is yet to be determined, leaving them to navigate the challenges of a shortened roster.

  • Ja Morant is expected to be sidelined for at least 2 more weeks as he recovers from a left elbow sprain.

The players

Ja Morant

The 26-year-old star point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, who has been sidelined for most of the season due to a left elbow sprain.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

A Grizzlies player who will undergo surgery for a right pinky finger misalignment, further depleting the team's roster.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Grizzlies' player who was traded to the Utah Jazz, despite the team's decision to keep the injured Ja Morant.

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The takeaway

The Grizzlies' decision to keep the injured Ja Morant on the team while trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. has raised questions about the team's strategy and priorities. With Morant's continued absence and other key players dealing with injuries, the Grizzlies will need to find a way to navigate the challenges of a shortened roster and maintain their competitiveness in the league.