Ja Morant is one of the most electrifying point guards in the NBA today. But over the past year, a strange and troubling rumor has followed him online: that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Fans have searched frantically for answers, and misinformation has spread faster than facts. This article breaks down exactly what happened, where the rumor came from, and what is actually true about Ja Morant’s health, career, and life right now.
Quick Facts About Ja Morant
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Temetrius Jamel Morant |
| Nickname | Ja Morant |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1999 |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Birthplace | Dalzell, South Carolina, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Weight | Around 174 lbs (79 kg) |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Current Team | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Jersey Number | 12 |
| College | Murray State University |
| NBA Draft | 2019, Round 1, Pick 2 (Memphis Grizzlies) |
| Marital Status | Not married |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $45 to $50 million |
Who Is Ja Morant?
Ja Morant is an American professional basketball player known for his explosive athleticism, highlight reel dunks, and elite passing ability. He rose from a lightly recruited high school prospect to a two-time NBA All-Star and one of the league’s most exciting young stars.
Drafted second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, Morant quickly became the face of the franchise before a blockbuster trade in the summer of 2026 sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Off the court, Morant has become just as talked about for controversies, injuries, and now, health rumors that have circulated across social media.
Physical Statistics
Morant is not the tallest guard in the NBA, but his combination of speed, vertical leap, and body control makes him one of the most dangerous open court players in basketball.
Physical Profile
| Attribute | Measurement |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Weight | 174 lbs (79 kg) |
| Wingspan | Approximately 6’8″ |
| Shoots | Right handed |
| Body Build | Athletic, lean muscle |
Physical Statistics: Does Ja Morant Have Lung Cancer?
This is where the rumor needs a clear, factual answer. In late January 2026, a fake and doctored screenshot began circulating on TikTok, claiming Morant had posted a message announcing he had lung cancer. The fabricated post even included a Bible verse to appear more believable.
Here is what actually happened:
- No such post was ever made on Morant’s verified account.
- The hoax came from a manipulated video shared by a TikTok user, later traced back to a fabricated screenshot.
- The rumor spread right after Morant suffered a real but unrelated injury, a sprained ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow during a January 21 game against the Atlanta Hawks.
- The Memphis Grizzlies officially confirmed the elbow injury and stated Morant was expected to make a full recovery, with a re-evaluation in about three weeks.
- Multiple fact checking outlets and sports journalists debunked the lung cancer claim completely.
In short, Ja Morant does not have lung cancer or any lung disease. The confusion started because his medical absence coincided with a viral hoax, and many fans connected the two incorrectly.
School and College Career
High School
Morant attended Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina. Despite his talent, he was barely recruited and held only one Division I scholarship offer heading into his final year, largely because he played at a small school that did not attract major recruiting attention.
College: Murray State University (2017-2019)
Morant’s breakout came at Murray State University, where he played for the Racers.
- As a sophomore, he averaged 24.5 points, 10 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game.
- He led Murray State to an Ohio Valley Conference championship.
- He became a unanimous first team All-American.
- His performance at Murray State turned him from an unknown recruit into a projected top NBA draft pick almost overnight.
Career Rise to Fame
Morant’s rise from a small school recruit to an NBA superstar is one of the more remarkable stories in recent basketball history. He was selected second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, behind only Zion Williamson.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
| 2019 | Drafted 2nd overall by Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2020 | Named NBA Rookie of the Year |
| 2021 | Helped lead Grizzlies back to the playoffs |
| 2022 | Named NBA Most Improved Player, All-NBA Second Team, first All-Star selection |
| 2023 | Second All-Star selection |
| 2023-2024 | Faced league suspensions related to off-court incidents |
| 2025 | Continued injury struggles limited game availability |
| 2026 | Traded from Memphis Grizzlies to Portland Trail Blazers |
Major Career Milestones
- Scored a franchise record 52 points in a single game for Memphis.
- Became known for one of the most powerful vertical leaps in the NBA.
- Built a reputation as one of the league’s premier highlight generators.
Awards and Recognition
Morant has collected an impressive list of honors during his career:
- NBA Rookie of the Year (2020)
- NBA Most Improved Player (2022)
- All-NBA Second Team (2022)
- Two time NBA All-Star (2022, 2023)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team
Ja Morant HavePersonal Life
Away from basketball, Morant is known for being close to his family and hometown roots. He has also faced public scrutiny over a few off court incidents in recent years, including suspensions tied to conduct issues. Despite these controversies, he remains one of the most followed and discussed players in the league.
Family Details
- Father: Tee Morant, a former amateur level basketball player who helped train Ja from a young age.
- Mother: Jamie Morant, a former high school point guard and college softball player.
- Sister: Teniya Morant, who also plays basketball.
- Daughter: Kaari Jaidyn Morant, born in August 2019.
Morant has often credited his parents, especially his father’s hands on coaching during his youth, for shaping his work ethic and game.
Net Worth
As of 2026, Ja Morant’s net worth is estimated between $45 million and $50 million. This figure includes his NBA salary, endorsement deals, and personal investments, including real estate.
Income Source
NBA Contract
Morant signed a five year designated rookie max extension worth $197.2 million with the Memphis Grizzlies in July 2022. Under this deal:
- His salary for the 2025-26 season was $39.4 million.
- His salary is scheduled to rise to over $42 million for 2026-27.
- The contract runs through the 2027-28 season.
In the summer of 2026, Memphis traded Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, closing his seven year run with the Grizzlies.
Endorsements
Morant has built a strong endorsement portfolio, including a notable signature shoe deal with Nike, along with other brand partnerships that have added significantly to his overall earnings.
Social Media Presence
Morant maintains an active presence across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, where he shares updates on his career, family life, and training. His large following has also made him a frequent target for viral misinformation, including the lung cancer hoax discussed above.
Hidden Facts About Ja Morant
- He was barely recruited out of high school and had just one Division I offer.
- His father built a backyard training system, including a mini gym, to help him develop athleticism early.
- He holds the Grizzlies franchise scoring record with 52 points in a single game.
- Despite standing at 6’2″, he has one of the highest verified vertical leaps among NBA guards.
- His 2026 trade to Portland closed out an era where Memphis moved on from all three of its former core stars.
Conclusion
To put the rumor to rest clearly: Ja Morant does not have lung disease or lung cancer. The claim was based entirely on a fabricated social media post that had no connection to any real medical diagnosis. His actual health issue during that period was a sprained elbow ligament, confirmed officially by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Beyond the rumor, Morant’s career tells a much bigger story, a small town recruit who became a two time All-Star, a Rookie of the Year, and now a key piece of the Portland Trail Blazers’ backcourt. As with any public figure, it is important to rely on verified information rather than viral claims before drawing conclusions about someone’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ja Morant have lung cancer?
No. This claim is false and came from a doctored social media screenshot with no medical basis.
What injury did Ja Morant actually have in January 2026?
He suffered a sprained ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow.
Which team does Ja Morant play for now?
He plays for the Portland Trail Blazers after being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies in June 2026.
What is Ja Morant’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated between $45 million and $50 million as of 2026.
Has Ja Morant won any major NBA awards?
Yes, he has won Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, and has two All-Star selections.
