Ja Morant is supposed to be the Memphis Grizzlies’ leader. As a two-time All-Star and a former All-NBA guard, the Grizzlies will go as far as he takes them. Yet, he has caused the team a number of off-court problems over the past few seasons.
The Grizzlies have been putting up with Morant’s antics for a few years now, and after his latest incident, the team is putting its foot down. This might be what turns the star around, or it might be the beginning of the end.
What Did the Memphis Grizzlies Do After Ja Morant’s Latest Incident?
The Grizzlies lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in what was a winnable game, 117-112. Morant’s stat line was hard to ignore. In 31 minutes, he put up eight points, seven rebounds, and shot three-for-14 from the field.
His postgame press conference was even harder to ignore, as he threw both his teammates and the coaching staff under the bus. When asked what went wrong, Morant was brief and blunt in his response, saying, “Go ask the coaching staff.”
The bluntness didn’t stop there. When asked what could have been done differently,
“According to them, probably don’t play me, honestly,” Morant said. “That’s basically what the message was after, so it’s cool.”
Ja Morant when asked questions from the media:
“Go ask the coaching staff.”
And then asked what could have been done differently, other than asking the coaching staff:
“According to them, probably don’t play me.” pic.twitter.com/dJMJm2Phm4
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) November 1, 2025
The Grizzlies did not take this lying down. Following Morant’s comments, the team announced via its PR X account that it “has suspended Ja Morant for one game following conduct detrimental to the team.”
Making this situation worse is that this isn’t the first time Morant has embroiled himself in controversy. He’s been suspended by the NBA multiple times for flashing firearms on Instagram Live, which previously derailed the Grizzlies’ playoff ambitions.
Now, by openly challenging the coaching staff after a disappointing loss — largely due to his own underwhelming performance — Morant is in a difficult position. In situations like this, teams often part ways with a star who is proving more problematic than beneficial.
The Grizzlies could try running it back and repairing this relationship, but there’s only so much leeway a team can give a troubled player. The only way a team forgives this behavior is if it is winning games.
Given the circumstances, a trade for Morant may soon be on the horizon.
