Grizzlies’ Ja Morant says Jaren Jackson Jr. trade was ‘difficult’

Ja Morant finally spoke publicly again Saturday.

The Memphis Grizzlies guard had been quiet since suffering a UCL sprain in his left elbow on Jan. 21. Before Saturday’s game, he addressed reporters and touched on several topics, including last month’s trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz.

Morant did not hide his feelings.

“I wasn’t a fan of it,” he said, via Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “But it’s a business.”

The move removed another core player from Memphis’ recent playoff runs and fueled speculation about Morant’s own future. Trade rumors surrounding the star guard surfaced before the deadline, though the Grizzlies ultimately kept him.

Morant said he hopes that remains the case.

“Why can’t I be?” he said when asked if he still wants to be in Memphis. “I’ve been happy this whole time.”

Pressed further on whether he expects to remain with the team next season, Morant shrugged off the speculation.

“I hope so,” he said. “You would know more than me. The internet is right there.”

Morant also discussed the elbow injury that has sidelined him for more than six weeks. He said cross-body passes still cause discomfort but believes he can manage it.

“If I’m whipping a pass to the opposite side with that hand, that’s the biggest problem,” Morant said.

Still, he hopes to return before the season ends. And when he does, he believes the fit will work.

“Just whatever Ja brings to the table,” he said.