ESPN reveals the Morant saga: Six key questions explaining the conflict between both sides — Will trade talks begin?

On November 6th Beijing time, Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is currently struggling, with his average court time falling to a career-low 30 minutes, shooting percentage at only 38.3%, and three-point shooting at a mere 14%. The Grizzlies have also expressed strong dissatisfaction, suspending him for one game last weekend because of conduct detrimental to the team. ESPN has conducted an in-depth analysis of this drama through six questions—

1. What led to Morant’s one-game suspension?

After Friday’s game, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins publicly criticized Morant’s effort and leadership in front of the entire team in the locker room, and Morant’s response was seen by management as disrespectful and inappropriate.

During a 55-second media interview afterward, when asked about his struggles in the game, Morant repeatedly whispered, “Go ask the coaching staff.” He also mentioned that Jenkins had just delivered a “short lecture” criticizing him in the locker room.

In fact, Morant showed a lack of energy and passion in the second half of the game, making the criticism justified. One of Jenkins’ core coaching philosophies is to confront such issues openly with the team. He mentioned on a European basketball podcast in January: “If I never point out problems, how will he improve? I tell him straight, ‘Look, you’re holding us back. Your choice to play this way shows a lack of competitiveness, because winning requires a different approach.’”

“I make it clear—yes, that’s exactly what you’re doing, and everyone sees it. You’re hurting all of us. You don’t owe me an explanation, I’m just telling you what your teammates think. So you can keep doing your thing, but everyone here knows. If you accept the consequences and bring wins, I can tolerate it; if not, you’ll be replaced.”

Of course, the NBA isn’t that straightforward, especially with a nearly $40 million max-salary star. But Jenkins firmly believes in candid communication and is willing to face any backlash: “When I coached in Finland, Germany, and France, I always confronted issues directly. We promoted radical honesty. The worst case is someone feels bad for a few minutes, but we win more games. People often avoid it out of fear—worrying, ‘What if they push back?’”

2. What is the current state of Morant’s relationship with the Grizzlies?

The Grizzlies’ front office prefers to handle the matter internally to avoid outside interference, but Morant clearly still harbors resentment over the suspension.

This summer, the Grizzlies eagerly offered Jaren Jackson Jr. a max contract extension but did not engage Morant in any renewal talks, sowing seeds for the current conflict.

After a three-game losing streak, Morant appeared somewhat tense during a press interview. When asked if he had resolved Friday’s issues with the coaching staff, he replied, “Haven’t you already asked them? If you asked, you should know the answer.” When pressed again on whether the issue was settled, he responded, “Yeah, didn’t they tell you? Obviously, they can’t say I didn’t say what I did.”

When later asked if he still enjoys basketball, he answered negatively; when asked how he plans to regain his joy for the game, he said only, “We’ll see.” Although Morant insists his relationship with the team remains intact, his body language and expression contradict his words. Asked if he maintains good ties with the team, he said, “Yes, they’ve told you, right? If it wasn’t good, I wouldn’t be communicating with them.”

Clearly, Morant’s relationship with the Grizzlies remains frozen. Notably, years of changes in management and coaching staff have left Morant without confidants or people who truly understand him.

3. How has the Grizzlies organization responded?

The Grizzlies have been tight-lipped about the situation. Since Morant’s suspension, GM Zach Kleiman has never publicly commented, only issuing a straightforward statement that “Morant was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.” Over the years, whenever Morant faced controversy, Kleiman has been cautious or avoided public remarks altogether.

Before Morant’s return, Jenkins gave brief and restrained answers to reporters, revealing minimal details: “We communicated, and everyone wants to move forward and beat the Pistons.” When pressed about the Friday conflict between coach and star, he said, “It’s an internal matter; details won’t be discussed here.”

4. How has Morant’s on-court performance differed this season?

Last season, under assistant coach Chris LaRoche’s egalitarian offense, Morant adjusted his approach, but after LaRoche and head coach Taylor Jenkins were dismissed, Morant regained many ball-handling opportunities. This season, his touches and dribbles per 100 possessions have both hit career highs, with dribbles ranking second in the league behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; his touch time increased by about 30% compared to last season’s career low.

This tactical shift also changed his offensive style. In his first five seasons, Morant averaged 46 to 50 pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions; last season’s brief offensive experiment dropped this to 31, but this year it has surged to a career-high 54, behind only Desmond Bane and Trae Young.

However, this return hasn’t restored Morant to his previous All-NBA caliber. In fact, the 2025-26 season marks his fourth consecutive year of decline in player efficiency rating, dropping from 24.4 in 2021-22 (when he was Most Improved Player and All-NBA Second Team) to a career-low 16.5 (league average 15.0).

Early in the season, Morant’s scoring efficiency was notably poor: among 15 players with usage rates above 30%, his true shooting percentage ranked 14th, just ahead of Portland guard Shaedon Sharpe. With a career three-point percentage of 31%, he has made only 5 of 36 attempts this season, a 14% clip as of Wednesday morning local time.

Morant’s decline coincides with the Grizzlies’ overall struggles. Rookie wing Kennedy Chandler is a rare bright spot, averaging 15.3 points with 58% shooting and 48% from three; however, the team’s lack of shooting depth, combined with injuries to guards Scoot Henderson, Ty Jerome, and centers Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke, has led to poor performance on both ends.

According to Cleaning the Glass (which excludes garbage time), the Grizzlies rank 26th in offensive efficiency and 25th in defensive efficiency, with only the Wizards and Pelicans, both 1-6, performing as poorly in both categories.

5. Will the Grizzlies start trade talks involving Morant?

Back in March 2023, Morant was suspended for eight games for conduct detrimental to the league, costing him a spot on the All-NBA team that season—he ranked just outside the top vote-getters among guards and lost $40 million in additional salary (his five-year $197 million rookie extension would have increased to $237 million if he had made the All-NBA team).

Under current salary cap rules, this detail has major implications. Morant’s salary this season is $39.5 million, with $42.2 million and $44.9 million in the next two seasons, rather than the originally heavier $47.3 million, $50.6 million, and $53.9 million.

Although Morant is in his prime with three years left on his contract (eligible next summer for a three-year $178 million extension) and his salary ranks 28th in the league, if the Grizzlies consider trading him, the market response may be lukewarm.

Firstly, point guard is currently a deep position with few teams needing reinforcements. Teams like the Timberwolves and Suns, who might want upgrades, have no available first-round picks for the next seven years; the Nets have picks, salary flexibility, and matching contracts but Morant’s timeline doesn’t fit their rebuild.

The Rockets might be the most logical destination, especially with VanVleet out for the season due to a knee injury. However, since the Rockets are only $1.2 million below the luxury tax threshold, acquiring Morant would require trading VanVleet first and packaging contracts like Fynn Smith, Adams, and Capela. Considering Ethan’s impending restricted free agency and Amen Thompson’s rookie extension next summer, absorbing Morant’s max deal poses a significant challenge for Houston.

Even without VanVleet, the Rockets currently lead the league in offensive efficiency but rank in the bottom ten in assist-to-turnover ratio. Regarding Morant’s potential trade value, a team executive told ESPN it could resemble the 2023 Kyrie Irving trade from Brooklyn to Dallas—then the Nets received Dinwiddie, Fynn Smith, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and two second-round picks.

However, there’s a key difference: Irving was 31 and nearing contract end, while Morant is only 26 with two years remaining after this season.

It’s worth noting that unlike last season’s Butler situation, despite the suspension and adjustment difficulties to Jenkins’ system, Morant has not requested a trade so far.

6. How might this situation develop moving forward?

The Grizzlies will next host the Mavericks and Thunder before starting a road trip against the Knicks, Celtics, Cavaliers, and Spurs. This challenging stretch could lead to breakthroughs between Morant and management to stabilize their relationship or potentially escalate tensions.

Notably, Morant shares a close bond with Jaren Jackson Jr., with whom he can honestly share his true feelings. This duo has likely discussed the current situation privately and is working behind the scenes to secure the best outcome for both the team and Morant.

Jackson expressed confidence in the team overcoming difficulties: “We need more consistent right plays, extending the good phases in games, and doing the right things more often. It requires everyone’s commitment, but we are fully capable. We have all the necessary tools and players to succeed. So I’m not too worried, but a sense of urgency must be present.”

When asked if the entire team is fully committed, Jackson said, “Absolutely, we always are. We stay focused and never relax.”