LAS VEGAS — Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant made a day trip to Las Vegas on July 12, supporting his Grizzlies teammates during summer league action.

Morant, seated courtside, took in the Grizzlies action against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Coming to summer league for Morant was about making a statement. Memphis is building around Morant and co-star Jaren Jackson Jr., and Morant’s appearance at summer league 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 changes have shifted the outlook of the roster.

The most notable change was former Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane being traded to the Orlando Magic.

“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

One of the players Memphis eventually acquired after the Bane trade was Cedric Coward in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft. Coward is expected to take pressure off of Morant and Jackson with his defensive skillset and ability to shoot the ball.

“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 in recent years. Morant is one of the Grizzlies players who ahs 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.”

GG Jackson seeks Ja Morant advice

GG Jackson has been one of the best Grizzlies players during summer league. A long with the Grizzlies connection, Morant an Jackson are also bonded through their South Carolina ties.

While 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 growth from 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.”

Morant likes new additions

Memphis added veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the Bane trade. Caldwell-Pope is a player 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 that 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 ball handler that can not only create for himself but for everybody else.”

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