As the Memphis Grizzlies close out their season, the organization still has a few tasks to complete. In the NBA, franchises perform various levels of end-of-season housekeeping. While some involve basic duties like checkups, others take on a deeper meaning.
When one event was held, all eyes were on one player, with reactions flowing across social media.
Memphis Grizzlies Star PG Ja Morant Skipped Team’s Exit Interview
Since the Grizzlies selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Grizzlies management has seen Morant as the centerpiece, the foundation of their franchise.
The was not listed for the Grizzlies’ the end-of-season exit interviews, which created enough buzz to induce management and media to chime in. Grizzlies beat reporter Damichael Cole discusses the issue.
No Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ja Morant or Brandon Clarke at exit interviews today.
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) April 13, 2026
“No Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ja Morant, or Brandon Clarke at exit interviews today.”
While players bailing on season-ending activities is noteworthy, neither Caldwell-Pope nor Clarke carries the same weight as Morant’s no-show, operating as role players.
Morant established himself as the team’s leader. Memphis made four postseasons with Morant, tying a franchise record with 56 wins back in 2021-22. During his seven-year career, the Murray State product has averaged 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds.
Speaking to Cole, general manager Zach Klieman addressed the trade rumors that continue to swirl around the 26-year-old.
Zach Kleiman on Ja Morant:
“I think everyone is on the same page as much as they can be. I’m not going to speculate on potential transactions.”
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) April 13, 2026
“Zach Kleiman on Ja Morant:
“I think everyone is on the same page as much as they can be. I’m not going to speculate on potential transactions.”
After productive seasons on the court to start his career and quiet ones of late, everything appears to change in 2023. In January of that year, Morant, with associates, confronted members of the Indiana Pacers near their bus. Allegations of someone brandishing a firearm surfaced, although that claim could not be corroborated.
Later that spring, an Instagram video of Morant went viral for all the wrong reasons. With management’s permission, Morant left the team for a couple of games. Additionally, he entered counseling, which the team supported. Following that, the Grizzlies suspended the guard for another Instagram post.
On top of that, since the incidents, Morant became frustrated with his usage by the team, leading to discussions with the front office.
Grizzlies GM Addresses Relationship With Morant’s Representation
In one of the latest incidents, Morant skipped a jersey giveaway. Cole obtained a comment from Kleiman regarding the absence.
I asked Zach Kleiman about Ja Morant not being included in the jersey giveaway to fans. His answer in part:
“Ever since the deadline, everyone sat down and there’s been open, honest and respectful communication all the time with Ja and with his camp.”
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) April 13, 2026
“I asked Zach Kleiman about Ja Morant not being included in the jersey giveaway to fans. His answer in part:
“Ever since the deadline, everyone sat down, and there’s been open, honest, and respectful communication all the time with Ja and with his camp.”
When Kleiman refers to Morant’s camp, he means ILOC, an advisory firm run by his uncle, Kevin. In other words, Morant’s family handles his representation, even though they are not certified player agents. Instead, they serve as advisors.
The Grizzlies still hold Morant under contract for the next two seasons, where Memphis owes him in excess of $87 million.
In recent weeks, Memphis, an NBA city, has come under criticism from multiple directions. Superstar LeBron James spoke about the city’s lack of entertainment and activities, even calling for the team to move to Nashville, roughly three hours east.
Due to his history of gun incidents, Morant was looped into the discourse. Morant also engaged in fights along the way. Now, without an exit interview and rumors about an interested trade partner, can the Grizzlies and their star player mend fences, or is the lack of an exit interview a harbinger of a future trade?
