Memphis Grizzlies’ guard Ja Morant is facing a serious issue ahead of the trade deadline. For those who don’t know, this marks the first time Memphis has engaged other teams in trade discussions for their former number two pick.
Morant already had a loud, ugly confrontation with rookie coach Tuomas Iisalo earlier this season. Everyone in the arena and locker room knows both sides want to move on, but quite frankly, nothing has been improved.
He reportedly told the league he’s not playing for Memphis anymore after his suspension. Now, his latest social media activity has fans questioning his accountability.
Ja Morant Drops Cryptic Message as Grizzlies Tension Fuels Trade Rumors
Amid the constant speculation, Morant stirred more attention with a social media post. He wrote a cryptic message on X about knowing who the “real ones” are, then muted the replies, leaving fans to speculate without a place to respond.
“When dat smoke clear over only ones who love you gon be round,” Morant posted on X.
when dat smoke clear over only ones who love you gon be round
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 12, 2026
He is under a five-year contract through the 2027-28 season that is worth $197 million. But his average this season is 19.0 points on 40.1 percent shooting and 20.8 percent from three, which is not sufficient considering his brilliance. He’s played just 18 games this season due to injuries and a one-game suspension from the Iisalo incident.
NBA insider Tim MacMahon called Morant “a distressed asset” on The Hoop Collective podcast. MacMahon added that feedback on Morant from rival executives was “no more favorable than Trae Young, and in some cases even worse”.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Grizzlies are considering trade offers from multiple teams, prioritizing draft picks and young players in return. The Grizzlies are focused on rebuilding around their promising rookies and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr.
On the court, Grizzlies have struggled with Morant. They got outscored by 7.4 points per 100 possessions when he plays — the weakest mark among rotation players. More brutal? The Grizzlies are 11–10 without him this season and 6–12 with him.
However, his chilling cryptic post suggests Morant sees himself as a victim. He’s identifying his “real ones” before the smoke clears. But fans aren’t buying the narrative. His post reads like someone refusing to examine his own role in the chaos.
Fans Roast Morant for Playing Victim Card
NBA fans nuked Morant’s cryptic message across Reddit forums with a brutal reaction.
One fan wrote, “Just let it end already, please.”
Another added, “Grizzlies fans have to be sick. To be the next up and coming team to whatever dumpster fire this has become is shocking.”
A third one penned, “This guy just refuses to take accountability for his bullshit.. a forever victim.”
The fourth shared, “Stop hurting your trade value you fucking nerd.”
A fifth claimed, “It’s been so exhausting for 3 years, and this at what seems to be the end feels like a slap in the face.”
A random Reddit user remarked, “Professional victim.”
Earlier this season, Morant questioned his love for basketball and asked for a smaller role in the offense, which frustrated team management.
With trade rumors back in the spotlight, those issues are drawing renewed attention, as the locker room relationship appears absolutely cooked. And folks seem pretty sure that he is being transferred elsewhere despite Gilbert Arenas’s warning.
