Overview
- The Grizzlies suspended Morant for one game for conduct detrimental to the team following a reported locker-room exchange with coach Tuomas Iisalo.
- Morant returned in a 114-106 loss to the Pistons, shot 5-for-16 with 18 points and 10 assists, and answered “No” when asked if he still felt his usual joy on the court.
- Reporting says Iisalo challenged Morant’s leadership and effort and that friction has centered on the coach’s shorter, higher-intensity substitution patterns.
- Multiple executives told ESPN’s Marc J. Spears they are hesitant to pursue a trade for Morant due to his contract and prior issues, indicating a weak market.
- Former players, including DeMarcus Cousins and Blake Griffin, publicly criticized Morant’s effort, while coverage suggests Memphis prefers to keep him for now despite rising speculation.