Grizzlies' Ja Morant breaks silence with NSFW response to Desmond Bane trade

Ja Morant expressed disbelief upon learning about the Memphis Grizzlies trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, stating to the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, "I thought the s— was fake, honestly." He received the news directly from Bane.

Morant acknowledged the trade signifies a step back for the Grizzlies' contention hopes, despite receiving future first-round draft picks in return. He framed the move as "best for both sides," believing Bane is "the piece" the talented Orlando Magic, featuring Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, have been missing to contend near the top of the Eastern Conference.

While wishing Bane well in Orlando, Morant faces the reality of moving forward without his backcourt partner on a diminished Grizzlies team. His new challenge will be trying to lead Memphis to a playoff spot in the highly competitive Western Conference, which he views as a difficult situation.