Tensions seem to be running high between Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, and the two sides going their separate ways feels like a possibility.
But if the star point guard does request a trade, the Grizzlies might have a hard time finding interested teams. NBA insider Marc Spears reported on NBA Today on Tuesday that execs “really have no interest” in Morant.
“Four of the execs I talked to today say they really have no interest in trading for him,” Spears said. “One said it was because it’s a combo of contract and off the court issues. Another suggested that if Ja is traded, it’ll probably be a problem star for a problem star. I asked one current NBA coach if he would like to coach Ja Morant and he said I’m not sure I’d want to.”
At his best, Morant is an All-NBA level player capable of leading a team to the playoffs, but the Grizzlies haven’t exactly gotten that version of him in recent years.
Morant has had some off-court issues that have led to lengthy suspensions, along with injuries.
Now, Morant is apparently at odds with Memphis’ coaching staff.
Morant was suspended one game over the weekend for conduct detrimental to the team following comments he made after the Grizzlies’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. On Monday, Morant said he doesn’t have his joy at the moment, and he’s unsure what it will take for him to get it back.
Morant hasn’t requested a trade, at least publicly, so things can still be salvaged. If things don’t work out, it seems there won’t be much of a market for the two-time All-Star.