A late-October confrontation between Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant and head coach Tuomas Iisalo has sparked league-wide interest in the All-Star guard, league insiders told ClutchPoints. The episode, which followed a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, resulted in a one-game team suspension for Morant and left the locker room split over his leadership, according to the report.
Grizzlies
Sources said Iisalo questioned Morant’s effort after the game, prompting a forceful response the organization deemed unacceptable. While Morant did not formally request a trade, he privately conveyed doubts about continuing in Memphis once the suspension was handed down. The Miami Heat are described as “intrigued,” and the Sacramento Kings are monitoring the situation but would enter talks only if the asking price drops; Sacramento is not willing to part with draft capital at this stage.
Pelicans & Pacers
The New Orleans Pelicans have shown interest in Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin, multiple executives told Hoops Wire. Indiana has in turn checked on second-year center Yves Missi, creating a framework that could potentially involve both players in the same deal. Discussions remain exploratory with no agreement on the horizon.
Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers, facing limited tradable assets, are exploring ways to convert their 2032 first-round pick into several lower-value selections, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor reported. As part of that strategy, Los Angeles has made Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent available while searching for a wing upgrade. Progress will depend on how rival teams value a pick nearly a decade away.
The situation surrounding Morant, Mathurin, and the Lakers’ future pick figures to remain fluid as front offices weigh their options ahead of the trade market’s next inflection point.
Source: Hoops Wire
