Report: Grizzlies’ Ja Morant still bitter over team’s decision to suspend him

Tension between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies has lingered since the team suspended the star guard for one game earlier this season, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPN.

Wright reports that in the aftermath of the suspension, Morant expressed to players around the league and to some former coaches that he no longer wanted to play for Memphis.

While Morant has not formally requested a trade, the Grizzlies are now open to listening on potential deals involving the 26-year-old, with rival executives believing the team would prioritize young players and draft capital in return.

Sources cited by Dallas Hoops Journal add that Morant has grown frustrated with head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s rotation patterns, particularly the use of short stints and mass substitutions. Those lineup strategies, sources say, have made it difficult for Morant to establish rhythm after returning from injuries.

Memphis is weighing multiple paths forward. The front office remains open to continuing with Morant alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., but the emergence of several young players has given the organization flexibility as the February 5 trade deadline approaches.

Morant has appeared in 18 games this season, averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists while shooting 40.1% from the field. Memphis sits at 16–22, holding the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.

Morant is earning $39.4 million this season and is under contract through 2027–28. Despite his résumé, which includes Rookie of the Year honors and multiple All-Star appearances, his long-term future in Memphis no longer appears as certain as it once did.