The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2025-26 campaign has not gone as planned. Sitting at a 3-3 record, the team has struggled to find consistency on both ends of the court. While the early-season woes have been frustrating, the recent drama surrounding Ja Morant has added another layer of chaos to the locker room.
Now, according to a new report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, what happened behind the scenes might be far more serious than anyone initially thought.
What Has Been Revealed Regarding Ja Morant?
In the Friday night loss to the Lakers, Morant struggled, scoring only eight points on 3-of-14 shooting in 31 minutes. However, the tension didn’t end with the final buzzer.
During his postgame media availability, when asked about his offensive struggles, Morant deflected responsibility toward the bench. Instead of breaking down shot choices or spacing, he repeatedly deferred with versions of, “that’s something the coaches can explain.” These exchanges hinted at friction that went beyond one bad night and suggested a widening gap between the star player and the coaching staff.
Hours later, Memphis announced a one-game suspension for Morant for conduct detrimental to the team, with the ban taking effect for the next game against the Toronto Raptors. The timing, coming on the heels of the pointed postgame remarks and locker-room frustration, underscored the organization’s attempt to reset standards amid a rocky start.
On Sunday morning, during an ESPN SportsCenter segment, Charania shed light on the decision. According to Charania, after the Lakers game, Grizzlies’ head coach Tuomas Iisalo was deeply dissatisfied with Morant’s leadership, and he made that clear behind closed doors. Morant’s response, according to Charania, crossed lines that the franchise considers unacceptable and prompted the immediate suspension.
MORE: Why Was Ja Morant Suspended? Insider Reveals Truth Behind Grizzlies’ Decision
“There’s been tension in the last several days about Ja Morant and his feelings towards first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s rotation pattern and his plays, but it really started after or during the loss against the Lakers on Friday night in the postgame locker room. Morant and Iisalo had an exchange where Iisalo called out Morant’s leadership and effort in front of the whole team,” said Charania during the ESPN segment.
“Teammates and staff all looked on as Morant responded in what the team deemed an inappropriate and dismissive way, according to sources, and that’s when the Grizzlies, the team officials, huddled up. They levied a one-game suspension on Ja Morant that he will serve on Sunday in Toronto.”
Joining @SportsCenter AM to discuss details on Ja Morant’s one-game suspension with the Memphis Grizzlies and what’s next: pic.twitter.com/AqDxkPQ7LZ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 2, 2025
However, Charania’s report didn’t stop there. He added that several teams around the league are now closely monitoring the situation in Memphis. With Morant’s relationship with the coaching staff appearing to fracture, rival franchises could see an opportunity to pursue a blockbuster trade if tensions continue to escalate.
“For now, Morant is expected to rejoin the team on Monday at home against the Detroit Pistons. The sides are looking to move on. There have been disciplinary actions over the last couple of seasons that have derailed Morant, his seasons, and his career to an extent. 33 games worth of suspensions,” Charania added.
“In 2023, for instance, involving guns. Last season, a fine for gun gestures in-game. Teams across the league are monitoring this situation, keeping an eye on where this relationship stands between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies. They want to move on here after today, after he serves a one-game suspension.”
How Does This Compare to Morant’s Past Issues?
Morant’s brilliance has long coexisted with headline-grabbing setbacks. In March 2023, the NBA suspended him for eight games after he appeared on Instagram Live displaying a firearm in a Denver-area nightclub.
Just months later, in June 2023, a second social media video featuring a gun led to a 25-game suspension to begin the 2023-24 season. He was also fined last season for mimicking a firearm with his hand during a game. These incidents have collectively overshadowed his elite playmaking.
Moreover, ESPN’s Bobby Marks has estimated that sitting out one game will cost Morant roughly $272,042, which is about 1/145th of his $39.446 million salary for the 2025-26 season. This financial penalty illustrates how quickly discipline can have real consequences, even for top-level stars.
With trade buzz now swelling, the main question is whether Memphis and Morant can recalibrate their partnership or if this is the first real step toward a breakup.