Following Ja Morant’s recent suspension, NBA analysts and reports have sparked multiple trade rumors. The Memphis Grizzlies star has been in hot water for some time, with many doubting his trade potential and eventual future in the NBA.
However, despite the countless rumors, there’s no indication that the Grizzlies are ready to part ways with Morant. And while fans continue to speculate about his future, Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo has an interesting take on the matter.
Memphis Grizzlies HC Tuomas Iisalo Speaks on Ja Morant’s Increasing Trade Rumors
Apart from multiple trade rumors, there’s been ample debate on Morant’s ‘coachability’. Many believe the 26-year-old is more trouble than he’s worth, in turn resulting in trade discussions.
However, in a recent interview, Iisalo revealed that it has been ‘great’ coaching Morant.
“We have had a lot of dialogue,” Iisalo said. “We see the game in very similar ways. He’s a very intelligent player. He sees things on video; you don’t even have to point it out, he already knows what could have been an option there. And overall, it’s just been a pleasure.”
However, Iisalo admitted that he and Morant are highly competitive people as he added: “I think both Ja and I are very competitive people, and we are both after the same thing, which is winning.”
Iisalo also spoke about Morant’s injury. “He was injured last night in the game,” the coach explained. “He kept playing through it, though.”
Morant injured his ankle during the Grizzlies’ 133-120 loss against the New York Knicks. And despite his discomfort, Morant played on for 34 minutes, posting 16 points and 10 assists during the game.
Despite their determination to win, Morant and the Grizzlies are struggling to post consistent wins. They currently have a 4-9 win-loss record, ranking 11th in the Western Conference.
And although the season has just started, the Grizzlies need a significant transformation if they want to make it to the playoffs or even the play-in tournament.
As mentioned, there’s doubt surrounding Morant and his eventual trade value. In an earlier appearance, Bill Simmons went on to list two possible destinations for Morant — the Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat.
And while his reasons were sound, Simmons admitted that he wasn’t sure of Morant’s current trade value. “There’s really not a lot of spots for Ja,” Simmons concluded. “And I also don’t really know what his trade value is at this point.”
The Grizzlies’ next game is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, against the Cleveland Cavaliers.