The future of Ja Morant in Memphis has become a growing point of league-wide discussion, but those close to the situation say the star guard’s commitment to the city hasn’t changed—even as the franchise navigates a rocky internal stretch.
According to reporting by Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, the Memphis Grizzlies have generated quiet trade buzz amid a season marked by frustration, discipline, and uneven on-court results.
The discipline reportedly stemmed from a heated exchange with first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo, whose no-nonsense approach has been a sharp adjustment for a roster built around star-driven freedom.
After the game, Morant delivered a brief, pointed media appearance. “Go ask the coaching staff,” Morant said when questioned about his role.
When pressed further, he added, “According to them, probably don’t play me, honestly… That’s cool.”
Despite moments like that, sources around Morant continue to stress that his frustration isn’t rooted in geography or loyalty. One person close to the guard described his connection to the city as unwavering.
“That motherf**ker loves Memphis,” the league source said to Robinson. “He’s been loyal everywhere he’s been—high school, college, all of it.”
Another source echoed that sentiment more recently, noting that Morant’s mindset hasn’t shifted amid trade chatter. “Ja loves the city, and he loves the team,” they said. “We’re going to weather the storm.”
The Grizzlies’ ongoing trip to Germany for the NBA Berlin Game added another layer of scrutiny after video captured Morant in a heated verbal exchange with teammate Vince Williams Jr. during a shootaround.
While the confrontation appeared tense, a source on the scene downplayed its significance. “It wasn’t basketball-related,” the source said. “It was about a dinner spot.”