NBA Rumors: Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Heat, Pelicans, Bennedict Mathurin, Lakers

Grizzlies

Things did not fall apart overnight in Memphis. They finally snapped into view.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, tensions between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies reached a breaking point in late October, when Morant was issued a one-game team suspension.

The flashpoint came after a loss to the Lakers, when head coach Tuomas Iisalo questioned Morant’s leadership and effort. Morant, sources say, pushed back in a tone the organization did not appreciate.

The aftermath lingered. Siegel reports the incident created a real divide in the locker room, with some players siding with Morant and others backing the coaching staff. Morant never formally asked for a trade, but made it clear internally that he did not see a workable path forward after the suspension.

Interest is out there. The Heat remain intrigued, per Siegel. The Kings are also monitoring the situation, though sources stress Sacramento would only engage if the price dropped significantly. Draft assets are not on the table from the Kings’ side.

Pelicans

The Pelicans are among several teams showing interest in Bennedict Mathurin, league sources told Siegel.

Indiana, meanwhile, has checked in on second-year center Yves Missi, raising the possibility of a framework that could link the two players. Nothing appears imminent, but exploratory conversations are happening.

Lakers

The Lakers continue to look creative with their limited assets. Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports reports the Lakers have explored the idea of flipping their 2032 first-round pick into multiple lower-value firsts, similar to a move Phoenix executed last year.

As part of those discussions, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent have been made available as Los Angeles hunts for a wing upgrade. Whether that leads anywhere depends on how much value rival teams place on a pick that far down the calendar.