NBA Notes: Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Mavericks, Anthony Davis, Nets

Grizzlies

Trade chatter around Ja Morant is no longer background noise.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday that Memphis is entertaining trade offers for the two-time All-Star and is open to moving him ahead of the February 5 deadline.

That openness adds context to what has been a strained season beneath the surface.

According to Michael C. Wright of ESPN, Morant remains unhappy about the one-game team suspension he received earlier this season.

In the aftermath, Wright reports that Morant told opposing players and some former coaches that he no longer wanted to play for Memphis.

Morant has not formally requested a trade, per Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal, but the distinction may be academic if the Grizzlies are willing to listen. For now, Morant remains with the team and was present Friday night against Oklahoma City.

Whether this is leverage, frustration, or a true pivot point for the franchise remains to be seen.

Mavericks

Dallas confirmed Friday that Anthony Davis has ligament damage in his left hand, revealed by an MRI.

The Mavericks said Davis is seeking multiple medical opinions and that further updates will follow.

In a full ESPN report, Charania and Tim MacMahon note that Davis is expected to miss at least six weeks if surgery can be avoided. Should an operation be required, he could be sidelined for several months.

The injury adds another layer of uncertainty to a Dallas season already navigating health and roster questions.

Nets

Before Trae Young ultimately landed in Washington, the Nets were among the teams that appealed to him, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post.

Brooklyn didn’t pursue a deal, but the interest itself was notable.

As Lewis points out, there has been lingering skepticism around the Nets’ appeal to star players since the departures of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, followed by Mikal Bridges being dealt to the Knicks.

That Young still viewed Brooklyn as intriguing, even during a rebuild, was viewed internally as an encouraging sign.