He led the team with 30 points in Thursday’s 110-108 victory for Memphis over Miami, but is the environment of the Grizzlies healthy for star point guard Ja Morant?
Morant averaged 29.5 points per game in March — including two 30-point games — which was his best month this season, yet changes in the organization and off-the-court issues have gotten to him. His coach, Taylor Jenkins, was fired on March 28 with only nine games remaining in the regular season. He had the Grizzlies positioned for the NBA Playoffs; however, frustrations with Morant’s decrease in production led to the move. He’s had legal issues with guns and aggressive behaviors in the past, including an incident on March 6, 2023, where a police department in Colorado started an investigation on Morant after he allegedly flashed a gun in a strip club on Instagram live. He made another gun gesture on Tuesday during Memphis’ matchup against Golden State and was fined $75,000.
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Ja Morant fined $75K for repeated gun gestures after warning
The two-time All-Star is highly talented, but should the Grizzlies move off him in the offseason?
He signed a five-year extension with Memphis that included $193 million guaranteed on July 6, 2022. According to former players Lou Williams and Chandler Parsons, a ‘change of scenery’ is needed for Morant right now.
Ja Morant needs a change of scenery…he doesn’t fit in Memphis ????
“I come from Memphis…I know what’s like to have the pressure of that city on your back.” – @TeamLou23
“The Grizzlies should consider a serious look this summer to get off this dude.” – @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/sn7q3GlJ8i
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 4, 2025
“It feels like something is brewing under the surface,” Williams said.
“I don’t what is going on in Memphis, but for Ja Morant … I think a change of scenery would be good for him. He needs a different environment. I come from Memphis, Tenn. I know what it is like to play there. I know what it is like to have the pressure of that city on your back. We are a violent city. It is no way around it, we are a violent city. We are grit and grime, and that is the environment in Memphis. Maybe with a fresh start somewhere else, it would be beneficial to Ja Morant.”
Parsons said something is gong on that has made Morant ‘unhappy’ in Memphis.
“He is lashing out,” Parsons said.
“If I am the Grizzlies, I do consider serious look this summer to get off this dude because that is not my franchise player. That is someone who blatantly disregards the situation at hand right now. That is not who I want to invest this money in.”
Morant has three years left on his five-year extension, but will Memphis continue putting up with his antics?
We will see what moves the Grizzlies make in the offseason.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
