The Memphis Grizzlies may finally be approaching Ja Morant’s breaking point.
Once considered the face of the franchise, Morant was recently suspended one game for “conduct detrimental to the team,” again raising questions about whether Memphis is ready to part with its star guard.
Shamus Charania explained the situation in depth and revealed that other NBA teams are watching the situation unfold.
“Tensions have been high over the past few days surrounding Ja Morant and how he feels about first-year head coach Tomas Isalo’s rotation pattern and play,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said. “But it really came to a head Friday night after and during the loss to the Lakers in the postgame locker room. Morant and Isalo had an exchange, and Isalo praised Morant’s leadership and effort in front of the entire team. With teammates and staff looking on, Morant responded in a manner that the team deemed inappropriate and dismissive, sources said.”
“… At this time, Morant is expected to rejoin the team on Monday at home against the Detroit Pistons. Gary, both parties are hopeful that they can overcome this issue and move on. … However, teams across the league are monitoring the situation and keeping a close eye on the relationship between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies.”
Join @Sports Center A morning look at the details of Ja Morant’s one-game suspension with the Memphis Grizzlies and what’s next: pic.twitter.com/AqDxkPQ7LZ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 2, 2025
There remains uncertainty about whether both sides can actually move forward.
Morant’s time in Memphis has been surrounded by controversy since signing a five-year, $197.2 million contract extension in 2022.
He has been suspended multiple times for gun-related incidents, including a 25-game ban at the start of the 2023-24 season.
Morant seemed to be putting the past behind him for the time being, even draining the game-winning shot against Phoenix just days before the latest fallout.
The relationship between Morant and the team is more tenuous than ever.
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