Overview
- Morant returned Monday with 18 points and 10 assists but shot 5-for-16 with five turnovers in a 114-106 loss that dropped Memphis to 3-5.
- His comments followed a team-imposed suspension for conduct detrimental to the team after he deflected postgame questions by pointing to the coaching staff following a loss to the Lakers.
- Reporting indicates Tuomas Iisalo’s rotation has reduced Morant–Jaren Jackson Jr. minutes together, with ESPN’s Marc J. Spears saying Jackson has also been frustrated by those decisions.
- Jackson told reporters the group has “everything we need” to succeed and called for greater urgency and buy-in.
- Trade talk has intensified with media proposals involving teams such as the Timberwolves, Kings, Nets, Heat and Hawks, though ESPN analysts questioned the market’s strength as other reporters said teams will monitor the situation and DeMarcus Cousins urged a split.