Overview
- Memphis issued Morant a one-game team suspension for conduct detrimental following a poor effort and clash with coaches in a loss to the Lakers, and he returned against Detroit saying he has lost his joy playing.
- Morant’s recent form has dipped, with a 3-for-14 night vs. the Lakers and 5-for-16 in his return against the Pistons, while the Grizzlies sit at 3-5.
- Head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s shorter, high-intensity rotation stints have been identified as a friction point, with the coach publicly outlining the rationale for the approach.
- Multiple executives told ESPN’s Marc Spears they have little interest in trading for Morant, citing his off-court history, availability concerns and a sizable contract that still has two years and roughly $87 million left after this season, plus a trade bonus.
- The Kings and Timberwolves are among teams reported to be monitoring the situation as the Rockets are viewed as unlikely suitors, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and team leadership signal a preference to fix things internally.