The Memphis Grizzlies locker room is feeling the pressure, and it is not just from their losing record. A growing rift between star point guard Ja Morant and new head coach Tuomas Iisalo has turned a tough start to the season into a potential crisis, sparking trade rumors and raising questions about the franchise’s direction.
What Is Happening Between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies?
The drama reportedly boiled over this past Friday following the Grizzlies’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. According to reports, Iisalo questioned Morant’s performance, and the 26-year-old guard responded in a tone that the team’s brass considered inappropriate. His response subsequently led to a one-game suspension.
On Wednesday night, the tension was palpable when the Grizzlies hosted the Houston Rockets. The team put on a sluggish performance and lost the match 124-109, which marked their fourth straight loss. Memphis now sits at three wins and six losses on the season. In the game, Morant only scored 17 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, and he committed six turnovers in 34 minutes. Meanwhile, Rockets guard Amen Thompson finished the game with an impressive 28 points, seven assists, and 10 rebounds.
In his report, reporter Kelly Iko highlighted the striking contrast between the two rebuilding teams. The Rockets’ bench was full of energy with constant communication between the coaches and their point guard. On the other hand, Morant seemed disengaged, avoiding interaction with his coaches and appearing lost in his thoughts. The tension between him and the staff was clearly visible.
Iko revealed there were no taps or handshakes between the 26-year-old guard and his coach.
“Memphis, much like Houston, is also in the process of learning a new system, but Morant’s body language, which was lacking at a somber morning shootaround, was off all evening. Outside of a mini briefing midway through the fourth quarter with the game already out of reach, Morant didn’t speak to Iisalo. During timeouts, Morant would be off to himself at either end of the bench, swimming in his own thoughts. There were no reassuring handshakes or taps from Iisalo whenever Morant was subbed out, the tension palpable within FedEx Forum, ” Iko reported.
Ja Morant and Tuomas Iisalo are reportedly barely speaking during games, per @KellyIko
“Memphis, much like Houston, is also in the process of learning a new system, but Morant’s body language, which was lacking at a somber morning shootaround, was off all evening. Outside of a… pic.twitter.com/utMse26CRH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 6, 2025
Overall, Morant is going through a tough time and is underperforming in games. He has averaged just 20.4 points, 7.1 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 29.5 minutes per game this season.
Additionally, he is shooting just 38.3% from the field and 13.9% from the three-point range. It will be interesting to see how Morant performs this Friday, as the Grizzlies are hosting the Dallas Mavericks.