Ja Morant Hasn’t Gotten Over Memphis Grizzlies Suspending Him, Has Told Players He Isn’t Playing For Them Anymore
Ja Morant hasn’t gotten over the Memphis Grizzlies suspending him one game for conduct detrimental to the team earlier in the season, according to NBA reporter Michael C. Wright of ESPN.
After his suspension, Morant told players around the NBA and some of his former coaches that he isn’t playing for the Grizzlies anymore.
Morant “hates” playing for Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo, sources told DallasHoopsJournal. Ja 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.
Memphis is entertaining offers to potentially trade Morant, who doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. Multiple teams are pursuing Morant in trade talks and rival executives believe the Grizzlies would prioritize draft picks and young players in return.
Memphis is considering multiple paths forward amid the emergence of several promising young players. The Grizzlies also remain open to continuing with Morant as a focal part of their core with Jaren Jackson Jr.
Morant has appeared in 18 games this season. He’s averaging 19.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game while shooting 40.1% from the field, 20.8% from beyond the arc and 90.0% from the free-throw line.
The Grizzlies are 16-21. They are in 10th place in the Western Conference standings.
Morant is making $39.4 million this season. He will make $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 2019-20 Rookie of the Year, Morant has only led the Grizzlies to the second round of the playoffs once.
Morant, 26, has career averages of 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game in the NBA. He was the second overall pick in the 2019 draft.
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