Ja Morant did not play in the Memphis Grizzlies' final home game on Monday as he was officially ruled out for the remainder of the season in late March. His last appearance on the court was indeed Jan. 21, when he suffered a UCL sprain in his left elbow during a game against the Atlanta Hawks.
After the final buzzer at FedExForum, Morant spent significant time in the crowd with fans. A video of that moment is now making the rounds online, leading to massive speculation that he may have played his last game for the Grizzlies.
Morant, 26, played only 20 games this year before the Grizzlies shut him down with an elbow injury. While the team expects him back next season, his durability has always been a serious concern.
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Just to recap, he has played only 79 games over the last three years. And his 19.5-point average this season is decent, but it's hard to build a roster around a star who is rarely available.
However, his injury wasn't the only issue. A tense relationship with new head coach Tuomas Iisalo fueled trade rumors, and in January, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Grizzlies were finally listening to offers for him. However, no deal happened. According to league insider Jake Fischer, there simply wasn't much of a market for Morant at the trade deadline.
Reports suggest the Grizzlies are shifting focus to a new young core. The team finished its home schedule near the bottom of the Western Conference, with a 25-54 record following their loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A video from this final home game has since turned viral online, showing Morant interacting with fans and flashing a "peace sign," which many have interpreted as a potential farewell. For many on social media, it felt like a potential farewell.
One viewer wrote, "Ja Morant leaving the FedEx Forum Arena for what may be the last time as a player for the Memphis Grizzlies, throwing up peace signs. It's been real 12."
Another simply penned, "Make peace with the season and move on."
A random X user noted, "Bro looked right at the camera, he told buddy record it."
However, the South Carolina native has said he wants to stay with the Memphis Grizzlies and even pointed to his team tattoos. He is under contract through 2028, with his salary set to exceed $42 million next season. Still, the team is building around younger players and adding draft picks.
The logistics are a bit messy here. He has played only 79 games in three years, and his massive contract makes him a risky bet for other teams. In this vacuum, he recently listed his $3.5 million Memphis-area home for sale.
So, it’s unclear what comes next. The Grizzlies face a key decision this summer, and Morant’s future with the team is uncertain.
