Does Ja Morant Have Lung Cancer? Debunking the False Rumor & Complete Biography 2026

No, Ja Morant does not have lung cancer. The claim spread through a fake screenshot of a tweet, and no credible report, team statement or announcement from Morant supports it.

This guide explains where the rumor came from and what is actually known about his health. It also covers his age, career, contract and 2026 trade to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Quick Facts About Ja Morant

Detail	Information
Full name	Temetrius Jamel Morant
Born	August 10, 1999, in Dalzell, South Carolina
Age in 2026	27
Position	Point guard
Team	Portland Trail Blazers (traded from Memphis in June 2026)
College	Murray State
Draft	2019, first round, No. 2 overall
Contract	Five years, about $197.2 million, through 2027-28
Cancer claim	False

Who Is Ja Morant?

Ja Morant is an American NBA point guard known for his speed, leaping ability and playmaking. He spent his first seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and became the face of the franchise.

In June 2026, reports said the Grizzlies traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Portland was reported to plan on starting him alongside Damian Lillard.

Physical Statistics

Physical Profile

Morant is listed at about 6 feet 2 inches and 174 pounds. His game relies on a fast first step, high-flying finishes at the rim and sharp passing.

Position: point guard
Jersey number: 12
Style: explosive driver and playmaker

Physical Statistics: Does Ja Morant Have Lung Cancer?

The rumor began with a manipulated screenshot of a supposed tweet from Morant that spread on TikTok and other platforms. One news report confirmed that no such tweet was ever posted and that Morant had not been diagnosed with cancer.

His real health issues have been sports injuries. In the 2025-26 season he played only 20 games after a UCL sprain in his elbow, and he also missed time with a calf injury in January 2026.

No official statement mentions cancer
No team report or major outlet supports the claim
The viral post appears to be fake

If you see a health claim about any athlete, check the team, the player’s verified accounts and major news outlets before sharing it.

School and College Career

Morant grew up in South Carolina, where his father, Tee, played a major role in his basketball training. He was not a heavily recruited prospect, which made his later rise even more notable.

High School

He attended Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina. He grew late and improved fast, which led to an offer from Murray State.

College: Murray State University (2017-2019)

At Murray State he became one of the most exciting players in the country. In his second season he led the nation in assists and averaged about 24.5 points per game, according to widely cited stats.

His March 2019 NCAA Tournament performance, including a triple-double, pushed him to national fame and made him a top draft prospect.

Career Rise to Fame

Memphis picked him second overall in 2019. He quickly became a star, winning Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earning attention for his highlight dunks and clutch plays.

By 2022 he was an All-Star and the leader of a young Grizzlies team that won 56 games.

Career Timeline

Season	Games	Points	Assists
2019-20	67	17.8	7.3
2020-21	63	19.1	7.4
2021-22	57	27.4	6.7
2022-23	61	26.2	8.1
2023-24	9	25.1	8.1
2024-25	50	23.2	7.3
2025-26	20	19.5	8.1

Major Career Milestones

2019: drafted No. 2 overall
2020: named NBA Rookie of the Year
2022: Most Improved Player and an All-Star selection
2023: another All-Star season
2023 and 2024: suspensions linked to off-court conduct
2026: traded to the Portland Trail Blazers

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Awards and Recognition

NBA Rookie of the Year (2020)
NBA Most Improved Player (2022)
Two-time NBA All-Star
All-NBA Second Team (2022)

Personal Life

Morant keeps most of his family life private, though he often shares moments with his daughter on social media. He has spoken about faith, family and growing up in a small South Carolina town.

His career has also included public controversies, including suspensions after incidents involving a firearm. He has apologized and said he is working on his decisions.

Family Details

His father, Tee Morant, played college basketball and trained him from childhood. His mother, Jamie, is also well known in his story and often appears at his games.

Father: Tee Morant
Mother: Jamie Morant
Partner: KK Dixon, with whom he has a daughter

Net Worth

Online net worth estimates vary and are not official. Contract tracking sites list his career earnings at about $149.8 million through the 2025-26 season, which does not include endorsements or investments.

Income Source

His wealth mainly comes from his NBA contract and sponsorships.

NBA Contract

He signed a five-year extension worth about $197.2 million in 2022, valid through 2027-28. His 2026-27 salary is listed at about $42.2 million, now with Portland.

Endorsements

Morant has a long relationship with Nike and has a signature shoe line. He has also had brand deals tied to his popularity, though exact values are not public.

Social Media Presence

Morant has a very large following on Instagram and other platforms. His highlights, workouts and posts often go viral, which is also why fake posts about him spread so easily.

Always check his verified accounts for real updates.

Hidden Facts About Ja Morant

He was not a top recruit but became the No. 2 pick
His father trained him with unusual drills as a child
He led the nation in assists at Murray State
He has been the subject of multiple false online rumors, including death hoaxes
He was traded in 2026 after seven years in Memphis

Conclusion

Ja Morant does not have lung cancer. The claim came from a fake screenshot, and no reliable source backs it up.

What is real is his rise from Murray State to NBA stardom and his 2026 move to Portland. Check trusted sources before sharing health news about any athlete.

Frequently Asked Questions