Is the Ja Morant Era in Memphis Nearing Its End? Around the League, the Talk Is Getting Louder
The Memphis Grizzlies are navigating some rough waters, and the conversation around Ja Morant is starting to shift from hopeful to uncertain. After a string of setbacks-on and off the court-there’s growing chatter among league insiders that the Grizzlies might be approaching a breaking point with their star guard.
From a suspension stemming from a postgame interview incident to a recent calf injury, Morant’s season has been marred by stops and starts. Add in a tense exchange with head coach Tuomas Iisalo, and the Grizzlies’ franchise centerpiece has found himself at the center of turbulence once again.
Despite all that, teammate and fellow All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. has tried to keep the temperature down, publicly downplaying the drama. But around the league, executives and scouts are beginning to wonder if the relationship between Morant and Memphis has already run its course.
According to reporting from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks, the Grizzlies have been linked to potential trade scenarios involving high-profile guards like Trae Young and LaMelo Ball-both of whom could be on the move this season. That doesn’t mean anything is imminent, but it’s telling that Morant’s name is being floated in the same breath.
Still, not everyone sees Morant as a lost cause. One Western Conference executive remains bullish on his potential, saying, *“I think Ja is the one who can maybe be saved.
If he’s got to prove he can play [to get paid again], you can get him.” *
That sentiment speaks to the belief that Morant’s competitive fire-the same edge that made him one of the most electric players in the league-could still be reignited in the right environment. Even with just one playoff series win under his belt, Morant is still viewed by many decision-makers as a more proven winner than either Young or Ball.
But not all execs are sold. Another Western Conference executive didn’t mince words: *“It’s a gamble, but I truly believe that Ja will be fine at his next stop.
But [the Grizzlies are] going to have to move Ja. They don’t have a choice.”
That’s a strong statement-and a telling one. Around the league, there’s a growing sense that Memphis may be forced to make a hard decision, even if Morant’s talent is undeniable.
The Grizzlies are coming off a 126-119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. Morant’s last appearance came in a 133-120 defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks. And while the team is dealing with injuries and inconsistency across the board, Morant’s absence continues to loom large.
Some scouts aren’t holding back in their assessment of where things stand. One called Morant a tough sell at this point, citing a mix of issues: “The combination of pain in the a*, injury prone, not that good anymore and big contract is a bad one.”*
Another Western Conference GM echoed that concern, pointing to a decline in performance and motivation: *“Ja has been going down, down, down. I don’t know how much of that is due to motivation.
You’ve got to be able to look under the hood. I’m just not sure about his health.”
That’s the reality facing Memphis right now. Morant is still just 26, and the upside is still there. But the questions are piling up-about his health, his mindset, and his fit with a team that once saw him as the face of the franchise.
The Grizzlies will try to regroup as they prepare to host the Clippers on Friday. But make no mistake: the noise around Ja Morant isn’t going away anytime soon. And the longer this uncertainty lingers, the more it feels like a decision is coming-one that could reshape the franchise for years to come.