Before head coach Taylor Jenkins was fired by the Memphis Grizzlies, he answered questions from the media, one particularly concerning Ja Morant.

Morant, who has missed six straight games, has been dealing with an injured hamstring.

The good news is that he has made “great progress” and is considered day-to-day.

“Last two weeks, he’s made a lot of great progress,” said Jenkins. “And he’s working his tail off to get back out there.”

This season, Morant has appeared in 43 games this season. The 25-year-old is averaging 22.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Memphis Grizzlies have traded Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards to create roster flexibility and have the possibility to do a renegotiate-and-extend deal with Jaren Jackson Jr.

Marcus Smart and a 2025 first-round pick have been sent to the Washington Wizards for two second-round picks, Marvin Bagley III and Johnny Davis. This two-team trade turned into a multi-team trade involving the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento, who has been making incredible moves this deadline, sent Alex Len, Colby Jones, and their 2028 second-round pick to Memphis for Jake LaRavia. 

Smart, a former DPOY, is making $20.2 million this season and $21.6 million the following season.

According to Chris Haynes, Jimmy Butler has made it clear that he is not interested in playing for the Memphis Grizzlies.

There were a couple of teams Butler did not want to play for; Memphis was up there on that list. This comes after reports of him being willing to play “anywhere” but Miami.

The 35-year-old continues to seek a multi-year contract from a playoff-contending team. With that said, teams have dropped out of the race.

Most notably, the Golden State Warriors, who don’t want to empty their roster for one superstar.

Now, teams still want him—for example, the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. As of this time, per reports, Phoenix is the only team willing to give the money Butler is looking for.

This season’s trade deadline is February 6th. Butler is currently serving a team-imposed seven-game suspension, as it’s been made clear if no trade has happened by then, or when the deadline passes, he will continue playing for Miami and leave in free agency.

In 22 games, Butler averages 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals.