The start of the 2025-26 NBA season has spotlighted an unexpected storyline involving Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. Once poised for success with Morant leading the charge, the Grizzlies now find themselves grappling with a disappointing 4-9 record. This rocky start is compounded by swirling rumors about Morant’s commitment to the team and his future in Memphis.
The Grizzlies’ Halloween loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing at 117-112, highlighted Morant’s struggles. He managed only 8 points and 7 assists, shooting a dismal 3-for-14 from the field and missing all six attempts from beyond the arc. While off nights are common for any player, Morant’s apparent lack of effort was particularly concerning.
This perceived lack of effort led to a confrontation between Morant and an assistant coach. Following the game, Morant deflected questions about his performance to the coaching staff, hinting at underlying tensions. Consequently, the Grizzlies suspended him for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team.
Since his suspension, Morant’s on-court performance has continued to falter. He has failed to shoot above 35 percent in subsequent games and accumulated 29 turnovers over five matches. His 8-turnover game against the New York Knicks was especially troubling, characterized by errant passes and defensive lapses. The once dynamic Morant now appears disengaged, raising speculation about his future with the team if his current form persists.
This season, Morant is averaging 18.9 points per game—his lowest since his rookie year—alongside 8.1 assists and 4 turnovers per game. His shooting struggles are evident, with a three-point percentage of just 16.7 and a true shooting percentage of 46, marking career lows across the board.
While it’s still early in the season, offering Morant time to improve, his situation in Memphis feels increasingly tenuous. The offseason trade of Desmond Bane signaled the Grizzlies’ potential readiness to reshape their core. Considering the strained atmosphere, exploring a trade for Morant might be the best path forward for both parties.
In Morant’s defense, these stats are just through 11 games this year, and there is still plenty of time to improve them and turn his season around. This just may not be a reality in Memphis any longer. In the offseason the Grizzlies traded away Desmond Bane which signified that they may not be all in on this current core of theirs. They should explore trading Morant, as the relationship has seemed to sour, potentially beyond repair.
Morant’s stats may not be good this season, but at 26 years old teams can still buy low on him with the hope that he can turn things around. When he is engaged, Morant is one of the most explosive drivers in the NBA, and a very strong passer as well who can uplift his teammates. Potential trade partners could be the Detroit Pistons, or the Miami Heat, two teams who have strong coaching, and players that complement Morant’s playstyle. It remains to be seen what will come of this Morant and Memphis situation, but the best thing for both sides may be to simply part ways.
