LONDON — Ja Morant says there should be no doubt about his desire to keep playing for the Memphis Grizzlies.
After a dominant performance in Sunday’s 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic, the two-time NBA All-Star guard addressed recent trade speculation about him.
“I’ve got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be,” Morant said, referring to a tattoo of the Grizzlies logo.
Morant had 24 points and 13 assists in his return to the lineup after a six-game absence because of a right calf injury.
“If anybody in here knows me — I’m a very loyal guy,” said Morant, a former Murray State standout who was the No. 2 pick of the 2019 draft and has spent his entire career in Memphis. The 26-year-old is making close to $39.4 million this season and is in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract.
His return provided an instant boost for a team that needed it. The Grizzlies’ win was just their third in the past 10 games.
After sitting out the first game of a European doubleheader — the Magic beat Memphis 118-111 in Berlin on Thursday — Morant was appreciative of the fan support he received in London.
“Just being able to play basketball, it’s very therapeutic for me,” he said. “I know what I’m capable of out there on the court, and I was able to show that tonight.
“It was big-time. Walking off and representing Memphis is what it’s all about.”
Memphis built a 33-point lead in the first half, and this time the Grizzlies held on for the win. They blew a 20-point lead in the loss in Germany.
“That’s just credit to Coach putting us in the best spots possible and then just me being Ja and wind up making the right play whether it’s passing or scoring,” he said. “We got into a great rhythm early, got a big lead, after that it’s just managing.”