Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant breaks silence on Desmond Bane trade, new roster additions
Morant, seated courtside, took in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center.
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For Morant, going to summer league was about making a statement. Memphis is building around him and co-star Jaren Jackson Jr., and Morant's appearance is a sign of him understanding his role.
"It's different from on TV," Morant said. "Obviously, I know me being here in person means a lot not only to these guys but to the organization as well. For me to be the leader of this team, I felt like it was very important."
Ja Morant 'shocked' by Desmond Bane trade
A lot has changed since Morant last spoke publicly about the Grizzlies. Trades and roster moves have shifted the outlook.
The most notable change was Desmond Bane being traded to the Orlando Magic.
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"I was shocked, personally," Morant said. "I got the message from Des. To see it all over the internet, I thought the (expletive) was fake, honestly.
"It's best for both sides. Des is going to a very talented Orlando team. I feel like he's the piece that they've been missing."
Ja Morant talks Cedric Coward
GG JACKSON: How Memphis Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo is unlocking a new level for GG Jackson's game
One of the players the Grizzlies eventually acquired using an asset from the Bane trade was Cedric Coward, who they took in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Coward is expected to take pressure off Morant and Jackson with his defensive skill set and ability to shoot the ball.
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"It's exciting," Morant said. "I'm just ready to see him hit the floor."
Jaren Jackson Jr.
The bigger Grizzlies move of the offseason was agreeing to a contract extension with Jackson.
Along with Morant, Jackson has been a core member of the Grizzlies. Morant is one of the Grizzlies players who has challenged Jackson the most to reach his potential, often reminding him how hard it is for opponents to guard him.
Now, Jackson will be rewarded with a new five-year deal.
"He deserves it," Morant said. "That's the heart of Memphis, the heart of this team. I feel like he deserves it. I thought it would have been way more, honestly. I don't understand the cap stuff."
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GG Jackson seeks Ja Morant advice
GG Jackson, who has been one of the best Grizzlies players during summer league, is bonded with Morant not only as teammates, but also through their South Carolina ties.
During the Grizzlies' summer league games in Salt Lake City, Jackson reached out to Morant to see if he was taking in the action. Morant reminded Jackson that he needs to stay aggressive.
But there's another area Morant wants to see build in Jackson, and that's his leadership.
"It's time for him to grow in that aspect of his game," Morant said. "It's the perfect situation, being a third-year guy on this team and guys looking to do what you do."
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Morant likes new additions
Memphis added veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the Bane trade, someone Morant has competed against for years.
"I felt like for us, having him be that vet around is definitely big-time for us," Morant said. "Everybody know what he does on the defensive end. For our young guys who are trying to push themselves to be that guy as well, they got a perfect vet to learn from."
The Grizzlies also dipped into the free agency pool, adding Ty Jerome. That is a move Morant also approved of.
"Definitely another solid guard for us," Morant said. "Everybody seen what he done for a great Cleveland team this year. I honestly felt like he was a big piece of that team. To have him, we adding another ballhandler that can not only create for himself but for everybody else."
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Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant talks Desmond Bane trade, roster changes
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