Ja Morant suspension could spell end of his Grizzlies run

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ja Morant suspension could be beginning of the end of guard's Grizzlies run

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Nov 1, 2025 4:50 PM ET

Are the Memphis Grizzlies and star point guard Ja Morant headed toward a divorce?

On Saturday, one day after the two-time All-Star sounded off on the Grizzlies coaching staff following a 117-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers (4-2), Memphis suspended Morant one game "for conduct detrimental to the team," according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.

Ja Morant, Grizzlies union already strained weeks into 2025-26 season

After building an 69-55 halftime lead over Los Angeles, Memphis (3-3) collapsed in the second half. Morant, who finished with eight points on 3-of-14 shooting, only scored two points after halftime. Following the game, he failed to take accountability for his poor performance, instead pointing the finger at Grizzlies coaches, telling reporters, "Go ask the coaching staff."

Less than 24 hours later, the Grizzlies levied their punishment.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team. pic.twitter.com/STotAlgC54
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 1, 2025

The tense exchange is the latest in what's becoming a potentially toxic situation. The Grizzlies have long stood by the mercurial talent despite Morant previously being suspended twice by the NBA for recklessly brandishing firearms.

At a certain point, Morant won't be worth the headache. It could be tipping in that direction already. Through six games, Morant, a career 46.8 percent shooter, is at 40.6 percent. He's shot below 40 percent in four of his six games and is an unsightly 15.6 percent from three-point range while averaging a career-low 28.5 minutes per game.

If the Grizzlies, under first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo, struggle to compete in the stacked Western Conference, it might be best to explore a Morant trade and gain assets for a rebuild. Perhaps the suspension will be a wake-up call for Morant, but it could just as easily fracture an already-fraught relationship.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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