Ja Morant's Grizzlies Tenure Nearing End Amid Rebuilding

Memphis trades away key players, Morant's future with team uncertain after suspension and conflict.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, representing the fractured state of the Memphis Grizzlies organization.The Grizzlies' rebuild and Ja Morant's uncertain future with the team expose the fragmented state of the franchise.Memphis Today

The Memphis Grizzlies are clearly in rebuilding mode, having traded away franchise cornerstones Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. within the last year. While star guard Ja Morant remains with the team for now, sources indicate his departure is likely a matter of 'when' rather than 'if' as the Grizzlies move in a younger direction and Morant feels alienated from the team following a suspension earlier this season.

Why it matters

Morant is one of the league's brightest young stars, so his potential departure would be a major shakeup for the Grizzlies franchise. The team's rebuild and Morant's apparent rift with the organization raise questions about the long-term future of the team and its relationship with its star player.

The details

Morant was suspended earlier this season following a confrontation with Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo. Sources say Morant felt 'alienated' by teammates who were told to leave him alone during that time. Morant has since told players around the league and former coaches that he is no longer playing for Memphis. With the Grizzlies armed with multiple high draft picks, a trade involving Morant seems inevitable, though his return package may not be as lucrative as the haul the Hawks received for Trae Young.

  • Morant was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team earlier this season.
  • The Grizzlies traded away Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. within the last year.

The players

Ja Morant

The star guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, who is expected to be traded away as the team rebuilds.

Tuomas Iisalo

The head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, who had a confrontation with Ja Morant that led to Morant's suspension.

Desmond Bane

A former franchise cornerstone for the Grizzlies who was traded away as part of the team's rebuild.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Another former franchise cornerstone for the Grizzlies who was traded away as part of the team's rebuild.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Morant still hasn't gotten over the suspension, multiple league sources said, because he felt alienated by teammates, who were told to leave the star guard alone so he could work through the issues that had led to the suspension.”

— Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright, ESPN reporters

“Morant told players around the league and some of his former coaches that he isn't playing for Memphis anymore, sources said.”

— Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright, ESPN reporters

What’s next

The Grizzlies are expected to explore trade options for Ja Morant in the offseason, with the team's rebuild and Morant's apparent rift with the organization making a separation seem inevitable.

The takeaway

Ja Morant's time with the Memphis Grizzlies appears to be nearing an end, as the team's rebuild and Morant's own dissatisfaction with the organization make a trade increasingly likely. This would be a major shakeup for the franchise, which must now determine the best path forward without its star player.