Ja Morant ‘Hates’ Playing For Memphis Grizzlies Coach Tuomas Iisalo
In news that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, NBA star Ja Morant “hates” playing for Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo, sources told DallasHoopsJournal.
Morant is not a fan of Iisalo’s strategy of playing lineups in short shifts and then mass substituting, sources said. It has prevented Morant from getting his legs underneath him and developing a rhythm on the court.
A two-time All-Star, Morant doesn’t have a good relationship with Iisalo, sources said. The Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins last season and named Iisalo the head coach.
Morant will make $39.4 million this season, $42.2 million in the 2026-27 season and $44.9 million in the 2027-28 season, which is the final year of his contract. The Grizzlies recently suspended Morant one game due to conduct detrimental to the team.
The 2019-20 Rookie of the Year, Morant has only led the Grizzlies to the second round of the playoffs once. The Murray State product, who also won the 2021-22 Most Improved Player of the Year Award, is averaging 20.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists this season while shooting 38.3% from the field, 14.0% from beyond the arc and 95.8% from the free-throw line.
Morant, 26, has career averages of 22.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.4 assists in the NBA. He was the second overall pick in the 2019 draft.
The Grizzlies are 3-6 on the season. Morant and his camp, at this juncture, haven’t thought about requesting a trade, sources said. The guard recently said he’s not playing with any “joy.”
Morant doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings are monitoring the Morant situation with the Grizzlies, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
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