The Memphis Grizzlies suspended Ja Morant for one game on Saturday for ” conduct detrimental to the team.” ESPN’s Shams Charania claims that head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s criticism of Morant’s leadership led to the suspension. Following Friday’s team’s 117–112 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers, the two had an exchange. However, the star guard’s response was “deemed inappropriate.”
During the game, Morant was on the court for 30 minutes but only finished with eight points. At times, fans and critics noticed that he wasn’t engaged with the team. During his postgame interview, the media wanted to know the story behind the game and asked the All-Star guard about it.
However, Morant kept it brief and told reporters to ask the coaching staff.
“Go ask the coaching staff,” Morant said. “According to them, probably don’t play me, honestly. That’s what basically the message was, after. It’s cool.”
On Sunday, Morant’s suspension took effect as the Grizzlies faced the Toronto Raptors. Without their best player, the team had a 117-104 loss. Before the game, though, Iisalo was asked about the NBA star’s one-game shelving.
“The organization made a decision that aligns with our standards,” Iisalo said. “For the rest of the group, we are fully focused on the Raptors today, and we look forward to Ja rejoining the team and moving on.”
“We’re all professionals, and we have a job to do. Today, that’s to beat the Raptors.”
“We made a decision that aligned with our standards as an organization…. we look forward to Ja returning to the team.”
Grizzlies Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo on Ja Morant’s suspension: pic.twitter.com/Tbt9HVvUV7
— The Athletic NBA Daily (@AthleticNBAShow) November 2, 2025
According to Charania, the enthusiasm around Memphis has caused numerous teams to start monitoring the situation. It could potentially lead to a trade, as the rumors have started to emerge.
Teams have started to keep an eye out for a potential Ja Morant trade
Morant has dealt with various disciplinary actions from the league and the Grizzlies over the past seasons. Getting a one-game suspension isn’t anything new to the NBA star. Teams have apparently begun to keep an eye on potential developments between the organization and the star guard, though. Charania reported that both sides want to move on from the minor hiccup, but trade rumors have started to spiral.
“There’s been tension in the last several days around Ja Morant and his feelings towards first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s rotation patterns, his plays,” Charania said.
Joining @SportsCenter AM to discuss details on Ja Morant's one-game suspension with the Memphis Grizzlies and what's next: pic.twitter.com/AqDxkPQ7LZ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 2, 2025
“For now, Morant is expected to join the team on Monday at home against the Detroit Pistons. The sides are looking to move past this and move on… Teams across the league, though, are monitoring this, keeping an eye on where this relationship stands between Morant and the Grizzlies.”
Morant has remained silent amid the rumors about a potential breakup between him and the Grizzlies.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
