Memphis Grizzlies suspended star point guard Ja Morant on Saturday for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team.
The suspension came as first-year Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo challenged Morant's leadership and efforts in a postgame exchange following Friday night's 117-112 loss to the Grizzlies. Los Angeles Lakers – to which Morant responded in a tone that was considered inappropriate and dismissive, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. According to sources, the confrontation took place in front of the team.
Morant scored eight points (3-of-14 from the field) and had seven assists and was tight-lipped when asked what he noticed in the game.
“According to [the coaching staff]“Probably don’t play me, honestly,” Morant said. “Basically, that was the message. This is great.”
Morant also told reporters to “go ask the coaching staff,” answering questions about his play without explaining further. Through six games, he is averaging 28.5 career minutes.
Iisalo, whose postgame press conference ended before he could be asked about Morant's comments, took over as coach Taylor Jenkins after his surprise sacking at the end of last season. The reason Jenkins was fired was reportedly due to the team's belief that he had lost the locker room.
The Grizzlies will play next Predators 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 gun incidents, with those two events costing him 33 games and about $8.3 million in salary.
He was also fined $75,000 last season for making an aiming gesture in honor of 3-point shots. The league called the gesture “inappropriate,” adding that “Morant was previously warned by the league office that this gesture could be interpreted in a negative light.”
Morant is making about $39.4 million this season and is in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract. He's averaging 20.8 points in six games this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
