Ja Morant Has Informed Players, Former Coaches He's Done Playing For Grizzlies

Iisalo had called out Morant, who shot 3-for-14 in 31 minutes, for what the coach deemed a substandard effort. Morant, already bristling over Iisalo's substitution patterns, responded dismissively and condescendingly, sources said. The organization sided firmly with Iisalo, which was a pointed message that Morant has never processed. Teammates were also instructed to give Morant space and leave him alone during the suspension period, leaving him feeling isolated by the people closest to him. The estrangement stands in stark contrast to Morant's only public comments on his future, delivered after a 24-point, 13-assist performance against Orlando in London in January. I've got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be, Morant said, referencing a Grizzlies tattoo. Despite those words, sources indicate Morant's private position tells a different story. Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman offered measured public comments during his exit interview Monday. Ja's been a pro, Kleiman said. I think everyone is on the same page as much as we can be. I won't speculate on any potential transactions. Morant, 26, did not participate in Monday's exit interviews. He appeared in just 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points on a career-worst 41.0 shooting before a UCL sprain in his left elbow ended his year on January 21, a night he punctuated with a spectacular chase-down block that may have been his final act in a Grizzlies uniform.