In the tumultuous weeks leading up to the Memphis Grizzlies’ unexpected dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins, speculation mounted that star guard Ja Morant might be traded.
Sources close to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon suggested that a trade was considered likely.
“I was texting with a GM after this happened and he said, ‘I would have told you, I thought they were definitely going to,'” MacMahon reported on The Hoop Collective. “Ja was out on them. They won games without him. They have to be sustainable.”
The decision to part ways with Jenkins came despite the Grizzlies’ robust 44-29 record, securing the fifth spot in the Western Conference with just nine games remaining in the regular season.
Ja Morant Disliked Memphis Grizzlies’ New Offense
According to reports by Sam Amick, Fred Katz, and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, friction between Morant and Jenkins centered around the offensive strategy, notably how it minimized Morant’s ball-handling opportunities.
Morant reportedly disagreed with Jenkins’ system, which shifted away from his preferred screen-heavy, pick-and-roll plays to a more motion-based offense—a style mandated by the front office.
Assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo has stepped in as interim head coach. He is recognized for his expertise in pick-and-roll strategies, which could better align with Morant’s strengths on the court.
Memphis Grizzlies Previously Refuted Ja Morant Trade Rumors
Despite ongoing trade speculations and the coaching upheaval, Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman dismissed the rumors as “nonsense” following the trade deadline.
Morant, who has been hampered by injuries this season, has played in 44 games, averaging 22.3 points and 7.5 assists.
As the Grizzlies push for their fourth playoff appearance in five years, the stability of Morant’s position within the team remains a topic of intense speculation and interest.
