The Memphis Grizzlies are weighing trade proposals for guard Ja Morant after unresolved friction stemming from his early-season suspension, according to ESPN.
Morant, now in his seventh NBA campaign, was benched for one game following comments he made on October 31 after a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. When asked what went wrong, he directed reporters to “ask the coaching staff,” then added that the coaches “probably don’t play me, honestly.” The remarks targeted first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo and his staff, leading to a disciplinary action for conduct detrimental to the team.
ESPN’s report states Morant never accepted the punishment and felt shut out by teammates afterward. Players were encouraged to give him space while the situation cooled, a move that reportedly deepened the divide. League sources told the outlet that Morant has since informed other players and former coaches around the NBA that he no longer wants to remain in Memphis.
Performance on the floor has slipped amid the turmoil. Morant is averaging 19.0 points—his lowest output since his rookie year—while shooting a career-worst 40.1 percent overall and 20.8 percent from three-point range.
The 24-year-old is owed $42.2 million in 2024-25 and $44.9 million in 2027-28, salaries that will weigh heavily in any negotiations. ESPN notes Memphis is at least listening to offers, mirroring a recent scenario in which Atlanta moved Trae Young for established talent rather than draft capital.
Whether the rift leads to Morant’s exit remains uncertain, but the relationship between player and franchise appears increasingly strained.
Source: Hoops Wire
