Grizzlies Prepare to Move On as Ja Morant Era Nears Its End
grizzlies-prepare-to-move-on-as-ja-morant-era-nears-its-end
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies have entered the offseason intent on trading guard Ja Morant, signaling a likely end to the 26-year-old’s tenure with the franchise he joined in 2019.
The final game
Morant’s last appearance of the 2025-26 season came on Jan. 21 at FedExForum against the Atlanta Hawks. In the third quarter, he sprinted back on defense and blocked a Dyson Daniels dunk attempt, hitting his left elbow on the backboard in the process. Days later, the team announced a UCL sprain in that elbow, saying he would be reevaluated in three weeks. On March 25, Memphis ruled him out for the remainder of the schedule because of “lingering discomfort.”
Rebuild in motion
General manager Zach Kleiman began dismantling the roster months earlier. Shooting guard Desmond Bane was sent to the Orlando Magic last summer, and two-time All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz for three future first-round picks shortly before the Feb. 6 deadline. Kleiman also made unsuccessful attempts to move Morant, later telling reporters, “This is about organizational direction now. This is not about Ja in particular.”
Declining production and lingering baggage
Morant averaged 19.5 points on a career-low 41.0% shooting in 20 games this season, far below the 26.8 points on 47.9% he posted during his 2021-22 and 2022-23 All-Star campaigns. Since signing a five-year, $193 million extension in July 2022, his time in Memphis has been marred by off-court incidents:
- January 2023: Members of the Indiana Pacers alleged a red laser, believed to be from a firearm, was pointed at them from a vehicle carrying Morant.
- March 3, 2023: Suspended eight games for flashing a gun during an Instagram Live from a Colorado strip club.
- May 2023: Received a 25-game ban for repeating the behavior on social media.
- October 31, 2025: Suspended one game after a locker-room confrontation with head coach Tuomas Iisalo.
Coaching upheaval
Nine games before the 2024-25 playoffs, Memphis fired head coach Taylor Jenkins and later elevated assistant Tuomas Iisalo, known for short, group substitutions that frustrated Morant. Tension between player and coach intensified after the Halloween loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, leading to Morant’s brief suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
Market for Morant
League executives told ESPN that Memphis held preliminary trade talks with several clubs during the season. The Sacramento Kings requested draft-pick compensation to take on Morant’s contract, ending discussions. Front-office figures around the NBA expect interest to rise once teams that miss on marquee targets — including a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes — reassess options this summer.
Player stance and uncertain future
Morant has expressed a desire to remain in Memphis, pointing to a Grizzlies logo tattooed on his back after a Jan. 18 win over the Orlando Magic in London, where he tallied 24 points and 13 assists. Nonetheless, multiple league sources say he has privately told peers and former coaches he will not play another game for the Grizzlies.
Morant attended the team’s April home finale, a 142-126 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but skipped exit interviews two days later. As he left the floor, he clasped his hands in a prayer motion and looked toward the rafters, acknowledging fans who may have seen him in a Memphis uniform for the last time.
The organization now views moving Morant as the final step in a teardown that already shipped out Bane and Jackson. “Ja’s been a pro,” Kleiman said at Monday’s exit interview session. “I won’t speculate on any potential transactions.”
Whether a deal materializes before training camp remains unclear, but the Grizzlies have made their intentions known: the franchise is moving forward, and the Morant era in Memphis is almost certainly over.
Source: ESPN
