Grizzlies Star Shows Support for Ja Morant Amid Trade Speculation
The Memphis Grizzlies entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high hopes but ended in disappointment. After a strong 36-18 start, internal challenges—including the surprising dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins in late March—derailed their momentum.
Under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, Memphis still managed to clinch a playoff spot but was swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 3 proved pivotal, as Ja Morant suffered a hip injury following a hard fall. The Grizzlies, who had built a commanding 29-point lead, collapsed after Morant exited, marking one of the most stunning playoff turnarounds in recent memory.
Morant’s recurring injuries and past off-court controversies have sparked speculation about his future with the team. Although the front office maintains it has “zero interest” in trading the All-Star guard, reports from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on the Hoop Collective Podcast suggest there is growing chatter across the league about Morant’s availability.
Amid these rumors, Grizzlies rookie standout Jaylen Wells publicly backed Morant. Appearing on FanDuel’s Run It Back, Wells said he was eager to share the court with Morant next season, adding, “Oh, for sure. I don’t know what Memphis is without Ja.”
Since being drafted second overall in 2019, Morant has become the cornerstone of the franchise, leading Memphis to four playoff appearances in five years. With the offseason looming, the Grizzlies face pivotal roster decisions—and Morant’s future remains a central question.
