The Memphis Grizzlies announced that guard Ja Morant sustained a UCL sprain in his left elbow during the team’s home game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 21. Morant will be reevaluated in approximately three weeks, the team said in a statement today.
The injury comes at a critical time as Morant is currently a trade candidate while both the Grizzlies and the point guard evaluate their future options. The timeline confirms Morant will remain sidelined past the February 5th trade deadline.
Morant recently returned from a calf injury that had kept him out of the lineup for six games. He is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 20 games this season.
His shooting numbers have declined significantly this year. Morant is converting just 23.5 percent on three-pointers, while his PER of 16.1 represents the lowest mark of his career.
Reporters have suggested that Morant has had a limited trade market as they have struggled to identify teams with genuine interest in trading for him. It remains uncertain whether the injury will impact whether the Grizzlies resolve his future by February 5th or if discussions will be postponed to the offseason.