Grizzlies star G Ja Morant to return vs. Magic in London

Field Level Media|published: 01/18/2026, 12:12pm EST

Jan 2, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) as he drives to the basket during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant is available to return from a six-game absence in Sunday's game against the Orlando Magic in London.

The subject of trade rumors, Morant has been sidelined since Jan. 2 with a right calf contusion.

Morant's contract -- a five-year, $197 million deal -- expires after the 2027-28 season. He's eligible for a three-year, $178 million extension next summer.

Without signing him to an extension, any team taking on Morant at the February trade deadline would owe him the balance of his existing deal: the remainder of his $39.4 million salary for the current season, $42.2 million next season and $44.9 million for 2027-28.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Morant is playing fewer minutes this season, averaging a career-low 28.3 to go with 19 points and 7.6 assists per game.

Morant, 26, has career averages of 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and one steal per game.

--Field Level Media