Grizzlies suspend Ja Morant for one game for disruptive conduct
The Memphis Grizzlies suspended star guard Ja Morant on Saturday for one game for conduct detrimental to the team.
The suspension comes as a result of first-year Grizzlies coach Thomas Isalo’s challenge to Morant’s leadership and his efforts in a postgame exchange following Friday night’s 117-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers — to which Morant responded with a tone deemed inappropriate and dismissive, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania. The sources said that the confrontation took place in front of the team.
Morant was held to a season-low eight points — going 3 of 14 from the field — and seven assists and was terse when asked what he noticed in the game.
“according to [the coaching staff]“Maybe don’t play with me, honestly,” Morant said. “That’s basically what the message was. It’s cool.”
Morant also asked reporters to “go ask the coaching staff” while answering questions about his performance without offering further clarification. He averages a career-high 28.5 minutes over six games.
Isalo, whose post-match press conference ended before he was asked about Morant’s comments, took over as coach of Taylor Jenkins following his shock dismissal late last season. One reported factor in Jenkins’ firing was the team’s belief that he had lost the locker room.
The Grizzlies will play the Raptors in Toronto on Sunday.
The suspension is the latest in a long line of disciplinary actions Morant has faced in recent years. He was suspended twice in 2023 for weapons incidents, with those two incidents costing him 33 games and about $8.3 million in salary.
He was also fined $75,000 last season for a gun-pointing gesture to celebrate three-pointers. The association described this gesture as “inappropriate,” adding that “the association’s office previously warned Morant that this gesture could be interpreted negatively.”
Morant is making about $39.4 million this season and is in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract. He is averaging 20.8 points through six games this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.